THE IMPACT OF RURAL–URBAN MIGRATION ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC), FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA

This study examined the impact of rural urban migration on economic development in Abuja Municipal
Area Council (AMAC), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The study was necessitated by the increasing
movement of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of better employment opportunities,
improved living conditions, education, and healthcare services. The specific objectives were to determine
the influence of rural urban migration on employment generation and business growth in AMAC. A
descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population comprised residents of
Abuja Municipal Area Council, while a sample size of 400 respondents was selected using stratified and
simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed
using descriptive statistics, including frequency tables, percentages, and mean scores. The hypotheses were
tested using the Chi-square (χ²) statistical method at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that
rural–urban migration significantly influences employment generation in AMAC, with a grand mean score
of 3.92. The study also found that migration positively impacts business growth and entrepreneurial
development, with a grand mean score of 3.97. The hypothesis tests confirmed a significant relationship
between rural urban migration and employment generation (χ² = 48.621, p < 0.05) and a significant effect
of migration on economic development (χ² = 56.384, p < 0.05). The study concluded that rural–urban
migration contributes positively to economic development through increased labor supply, employment
opportunities, entrepreneurship, and business expansion. However, it also creates pressure on urban
infrastructure and social services. The study recommended improved urban planning, rural development,
and employment creation strategies to enhance the benefits of migration.

Funding: This is a self-funded research

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Ethics Approval: Not_applicable

Data Availability: Data will be made available upon reasonable request

AI-Assisted Writing: No AI tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript.