Analysis of Age-Sex Structure and Population Pyramid Characteristics in Bauchi State

The age-sex structure of a population determines its labour force composition, dependency burden, and future growth trajectory, and its analysis in Bauchi State provides a foundation for long-term development planning. This study analysed the age-sex structure of Bauchi State using 2006 National Population Census and 2022 NBS projection estimates across 20 Local Government Areas. Age-sex pyramids were constructed, and key indicators including sex ratio, age dependency ratio, youth dependency ratio, old-age dependency ratio, and potential support ratio were calculated. Bauchi State's population pyramid maintained a broad-base expansive structure with 45.6 percent of the population below age 15. The sex ratio at birth was 104 males per 100 females. Total dependency ratio was 97.3 per 100 working-age persons, among the highest in North East Nigeria. Old-age dependency was low at 5.8, reflecting short life expectancy. Pronounced sex ratio distortions in the 20 to 34 age cohort in some LGAs were consistent with male out-migration. Recommendations include using age-sex structure projections to plan secondary school infrastructure investments, designing age-targeted health campaigns, and incorporating population momentum analysis into Bauchi State's long-term development strategy. Regular projection model updates using inter-censal estimates are also recommended to improve planning accuracy.

Keywords: age-sex structure, population pyramid, Bauchi State, dependency ratio, population projections