Urbanization and Economic Growth in Enugu Metropolis Enugu State Nigeria: The Nexus

Abstract

The study appraised the Nexus between urbanization and
economic growth of Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State,
Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to:
analyze how the expansion of urban areas contributed to
growth in income levels in the state, assess the impact of
urban infrastructure development on business growth in
Enugu State and examine how the expansion of urban areas
affected the productivity in the state. The study was guided
by three research questions and hypotheses. This study was
conducted using survey research design. The study
employed secondary and primary sources of data. The
population of the study was 968,300. Taro Yamane formula
was used to determine the sample size of 400. The collected
data was analyzed through the use of mean score. The Z
test analysis technique was applied in testing the
hypotheses. The findings revealed that that expansion of
urban areas has contributed to the growth of income levels
in Enugu State, that urban infrastructure development has
significant impact on business growth in Enugu State and
that expansion of urban areas has a significant effect on
productivity in Enugu State. The study concluded that the
nexus between urbanization and economic growth in Enugu
State is profoundly influential and mutually reinforcing.
Urbanization has facilitated significant economic
development through the expansion of infrastructure, which
in turn has enhanced business operations and productivity.
Improved roads, utilities, and commercial spaces have
attracted investments, boosted local businesses, and
created job opportunities, leading to higher income levels
and overall economic growth. The study recommended that
for improved Infrastructure Investment, government should
invest in upgrading urban infrastructure, including
transportation, utilities, and commercial spaces, to support
business growth and improve productivity.