Case Study: Impacts of Development in Nigeria
Geography: AQA GCSE, topic 5.1.24
The Impacts of Economic Development in Nigeria
Whilst the Human Development Index has increased in Nigeria, there are still many poor people and corruption is a major problem. There have also been significant environmental consequences related to economic development.
Pros of economic development in Nigeria
- As the economy of Nigeria has grown the Human Development Index has also increased, showing that quality of life has improved in general. For example, Nigerians are benefitting from:
- Higher disposable income
- Improved infrastructure
- Better diets have led to increased life expectancy
- More reliable supplies of water and electricity
- More jobs in the formal sector, with reliable pay
Cons of economic development in Nigeria
- Economic growth has had negative environmental impacts:
- Factories in cities such as Lagos can pollute water and air, harming wildlife and people.
- 70-80% of Nigeria’s forests have been cut down. This has led to water pollution, soil erosion and loss of habitats.
- The capital city of Abuja suffers from traffic congestion and waste disposal problems.
- The oil industry has polluted parts of the Niger Delta, damaging ecosystems and making it hard for farmers and fishermen to survive.
Test yourself on Case Study: Impacts of Development in Nigeria
What are the consequences of so much of Nigeria's forests being cut down?
What % of Nigeria's forests have been cut down as a result of economic development in the country?
What has happened as a result of economic development in Nigeria?