IMPACT OF POPULATION GROWTH ON THE IMPORTATION OF CONSUMABLE GOODS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper studied the impact of population growth on importation of consumables in Nigeria 
using time series data for the period of 1982 to 2022. The study adopted the Malthusian 
population theory and the dependency theory as the theoretical framework. The data were 
analysed using the Vector error correction model (VECM) and the results revealed that 
population growth had a negative but significant effect on importation of consumables in 
Nigeria. The test also showed a unidirectional relationship between population growth and food 
importation as well as negative effect of population shock on food importation over the period 
studied. Based on the findings of the results, the government is advised to increase budget 
allocation to agriculture to boost food output through mechanization of farming process. There 
should be establishment of agricultural institute to help educate and equip the population with 
modern knowledge on food and livestock production. Stabilization of the exchange rate level 
by the government, to control import and export levels, as well as prices of imported foods. 
The government should intensify efforts to reduce insurgency especially in the North and 
resolve herders and farmers conflicts to help encourage people interested in undertaking 
farming and livestock production in Nigeria.