Fertility and Household Welfare in Nigeria: A Time Series Econometric Approach

This study examines the effect of fertility levels on household welfare in Nigeria during period from 1980 to 2020. Using data World Development Indicators for 2021, estimation process began with a unit root test stationarity variables. A bounds cointegration showed presence long-run relationship between consumption expenditure and fertility, but result was inconclusive when real GDP per capita used as proxy. The ARDL model employed results that had negative, significant only short run. previous years thereby showing lagged effect. However, is measured using capita, there were both short-run effects, such Kuznets’ hypothesis an inverted U-shaped obtained In long run, however, becomes U-shaped, implying possibility demographic dividend Fertility policies must endeavor control immediate or negative effects rising rates make deliberate plans engage future large working population order reap possible dividend.