Population Growth and Impacts on Ecosystem and Resources: Nigeria on the Verge of a Precipice That Needs Urgent Heed—A systematic review

Purpose—This study aims to investigate population growth and its impacts on Nigeria's economy, ecosystems and resources. The dangers and seriousness of population growth in Nigeria, and its negative implications for the economy, resources, and ecosystems, are analysed.
Design/methodology/approach—Founded on a systematic review strategy, this study assesses how population growth impacts the ecosystem and resources in Nigeria. This study examines how population growth and its impacts on resources and ecosystems are explored in published studies and identifies key gaps in current studies. Fourteen articles were systematically chosen and reviewed (published between 2010 and 2025).
Findings: The results demonstrate that uncontrolled population growth has negative implications for Nigeria's economy and the environment, including the depletion of non-renewable resources such as coal and crude oil, improper waste disposal, and land degradation. Uncontrolled population growth also leads to changes in the weather, desertification, drought, and rapid urbanisation. It also results in air, soil, and water pollution.