Growth Limits: A Conceptual Analysis for Sustainable Development in Nigeria

In the school of development thought, growth has been identified as a viable alternative to the challenge of poverty and economic backwardness. However, the ecologists have continuously challenged the growth position in relation to environmental degradation and depletion. It is against this background; this study examined the limits to growth in Nigeria beyond which there will be inimical consequences for the environment. The study employed time series data that spanned between 1970 and 2014. These data sets were sourced from the World Development Indicators. Based on the assimilation model, threshold estimates were used to identify optimal growth regions, whereas regression estimates were used to measure growth effects. It was discovered that below the identified growth limit, there are currently significant negative impacts on the quality of the environment in Nigeria via economic growth. This study is a single-country case, that is, Nigeria; hence, the study can be expanded to include other sub-Saharan African countries. The study adds to knowledge by establishing the prospects for sustainability in the quality of the environment in the long run; therefore, policies designed in this areas have higher likelihood of attaining sustainability.