The Impact of the Female Population on the Economic Growth of Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the female population on the economic growth of Nigeria from 1999 to 2020. The study employed a quantitative research method with a secondary source of data collection. A times series data covering 1999 to 2020 was obtained from the World Bank Annual report. The variables considered for analysis include Annual Gross Domestic Product growth rate, expressed in % (GDP), Female school enrolment (FSE), Female (as a % of the total labour force in Nigeria) (FTLF), Life expectancy at birth, female (years) (LIFE) and Female (as a % of the total population in Nigeria) (FTP). The study adopted the ARDL method to analyse the data obtained. The study revealed that there is still a considerable gender gap in female school enrolment in Nigeria. It was equally found that women still occupy a meager status in terms of labour force participation in Nigeria) (FTLF). It was also observed that Life expectancy at birth, female (years), is approximately 50 years. Lastly, the ARDL findings revealed that there is a long run relationship between female population and economic growth in Nigeria from the ARDL Bound Testing. Most of female variables in the country were not significant and showed negative relationship with economic growth except percentage of the female population in industry. That was positively significant in Nigeria. There is a need to reverse the negative gender segregation of women in significant sectors of the economy. The study recommends that there is a need for the government to encourage the number of women going to school by providing free education at all levels for all women. In addition, the government should give women who happen to be the vulnerable group access to free education and health care as well as encourage them in business and leadership in our society.