Socio-Economic Impact of Rural Electrification Projects on Rural-Urban Migration in North-Central Nigeria in Turbulent Time

Abstract

This study examines the Socio-economic impact of rural electrification projects on rural-urban migration in North-central Nigeria in the turbulent times. The rural areas in Nigeria have witnessed neglect in infrastructural facilities especially provision of electricity over the years. This impact is evidently felt in the North-Central region of Kogi, Benue, Kwara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory which have affected the socio-economic activities and household income which have encouraged rural-urban migration in the study area. The population of the study was considered an infinite population which consists of persons living in rural areas in the six states in the North-central of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. However, the study sample size was ascertain using Godden (2004) statistical formula for sample size determination. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression analysis with the aid of (SPSS). The findings revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between income level and rural urban migration (r = 873 p-value <0.05), there was a significant positive relationship between access to food and rural urban migration  (r = .893, p-value <0.05),there was a significant positive relationship between informal education and rural urban migration (r = 932 p-value <0.05), there was a significant positive relationship between access to media and rural urban migration  (r = .863, p-value <0.05) . Based on the findings, the research recommends that there should be an increased investment in rural Infrastructure. Through this measure there will be development of transportation networks, improved health care facilities, and educational Institutions to improve living standards.