Background of the Study
Regional economic development in Nigeria is marked by significant disparities in income, infrastructure, and industrialization. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has the potential to influence regional development by fostering industrial growth, improving employment opportunities, and stimulating local economies. In regions that have historically lagged behind urban centers, FDI can introduce new technologies and best practices that catalyze economic transformation (Ibrahim, 2023). However, the spatial distribution of FDI is often uneven, with certain regions attracting more investment due to better infrastructure, political stability, or proximity to key markets (Afolabi, 2024).
This study examines the effect of FDI on regional economic development in Nigeria by analyzing how FDI inflows correlate with indicators such as regional GDP, employment rates, and infrastructure development. The research will employ both quantitative data analysis and case studies of select regions to understand the heterogeneous impacts of FDI. The role of government policies and regional initiatives in mediating these effects will also be explored (Chukwu, 2025). The goal is to determine whether FDI contributes to reducing regional disparities or if it reinforces existing economic divides, thereby providing insights for more balanced regional development policies.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized potential of FDI to drive regional development, Nigeria continues to experience marked disparities between regions. While some areas have benefited from concentrated FDI inflows that spur local industrialization and job creation, other regions remain underdeveloped and marginalized (Ibrahim, 2023). The uneven distribution of FDI raises concerns about its role in promoting inclusive regional growth. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, poor governance, and regional instability may be impeding the broader diffusion of FDI benefits (Afolabi, 2024).
The problem is to ascertain whether FDI effectively narrows regional economic disparities or if it exacerbates them by concentrating wealth and development in already advantaged areas. This study seeks to examine the relationship between FDI and regional development indicators, identify the barriers that prevent equitable FDI distribution, and propose policy measures that encourage balanced regional growth (Chukwu, 2025). Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering national cohesion and ensuring that economic development is inclusive and sustainable across all regions of Nigeria.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the effect of FDI on regional economic development in Nigeria.
To identify the factors that contribute to the uneven distribution of FDI across regions.
To recommend policies that promote balanced regional development through equitable FDI inflows.
Research Questions
How does FDI affect regional economic development in Nigeria?
What factors contribute to the uneven distribution of FDI across different regions?
What policy measures can promote equitable FDI-driven regional development?
Research Hypotheses
FDI inflows positively impact regional economic development where infrastructure is robust.
Institutional weaknesses and regional instability moderate the positive effects of FDI on development.
Targeted regional policies can enhance the equitable distribution of FDI benefits.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study covers regional economic data and FDI inflows in Nigeria from 2020 to 2024. Limitations include data granularity at the regional level and challenges in isolating FDI effects from other regional factors.
Definitions of Terms
Regional Economic Development: The process of improving the economic well-being and quality of life in specific geographic areas.
FDI Inflows: Investments made by foreign entities into domestic regions.
Regional Disparities: Differences in economic performance and development across regions.
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