Visualisation and Analysis of Population Growth Data Across Northern Nigerian States

Demographic data analysis is foundational for planning education, healthcare, and infrastructure in rapidly growing Nigerian states where official population estimates are frequently contested or outdated. This study analysed and visualised population growth trends across nine northern Nigerian states from the 1991, 2006, and projected 2022 census estimates using NBS demographic data. Interactive and static visualisation techniques including choropleth maps, population pyramids, bar charts, and growth rate time series plots were developed using Python Seaborn and Matplotlib libraries. The analysis revealed that Kano and Katsina States showed the highest absolute population growth, with estimated annual growth rates of 3.4 and 3.2 percent respectively. The northern zone collectively showed a younger age structure, with a median age of 17.4 years compared to 20.1 in the southern zones. Urban population growth outpaced rural growth in all nine states, with Sokoto recording the fastest urbanisation rate at 4.1 percent annually. Dependency ratios above 90 per 100 working-age persons were computed for five states, indicating high fiscal pressure on social services. Data quality issues in inter-censal estimates were documented and flagged for users. Population visualisations were compiled into a reference atlas document for planning use. Recommendations include conducting a comprehensive national census, developing sub-state population projection models, and using these visual analytical tools to support state-level social infrastructure planning.

Keywords: population growth, data visualisation, northern Nigeria, demographic analysis, NBS data