Population growth, non-oil export and sustainable economic development in Nigeria (1980-2020)

Abstract

This study examined the impact of population growth and non-oil export on sustainable economic development in Nigeria for the period of 1980-2020 using autoregressive and distributed lag (ARDL) model techniques. Result indicates that population growth retards sustainable economic development in Nigeria in the long run. While significant positive relationship exist between non-oil export, exchange rate and sustainable economic development in both the long run and short run. The study therefore recommends government concerted effort towards control of the rising population and ensuring that the existing one becomes more productive. There is need also for government to formulate meaningful economic policies aimed at re-inventing in the non-oil sector to enhance the revenue base of the country as an alternative source of foreign receipt and also tap into the potential of the non-oil sector with the view of growth and stability.