URBAN SLUMS AND OVERPOPULATION IN NIGERIA: A DEMOGRAPHIC REVIEW

Abstract

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is experiencing rapid urbanization, with its population projected to exceed 400 million by 2050, making it the third most populous country globally. This demographic surge, coupled with an urban growth rate of 3.75% annually, has led to the proliferation of urban slums, particularly in cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Over 50% of Nigeria’s urban population resides in slums characterized by inadequate housing, limited access to basic services, and poor environmental conditions, driven by rural-urban migration, high fertility rates, and insufficient urban planning. This review examines the demographic dimensions of urban slums and overpopulation in Nigeria, synthesizing recent studies to highlight trends, challenges, and data limitations. The analysis reveals that overpopulation exacerbates infrastructural deficits, environmental degradation, and public health crises, with Lagos’ annual urban growth rate of 5.8% outpacing sanitation development, leaving less than 3% of households connected to sewage systems. Socioeconomic disparities in slums perpetuate poverty, crime, and disease, while a youthful population presents both a potential demographic dividend and a risk of social instability if neglected. The study underscores the need for accurate demographic data to inform policy, as current estimates often underestimate slum populations, hindering effective resource allocation. By addressing these gaps, this review aims to provide a foundation for targeted interventions and improved urban governance to break the cycle of unplanned urbanization, ensuring sustainable development and enhanced well-being for Nigeria’s urban poor.