Nigeria

Infrastructure Development and Economic Growth Nexus: The Nigeria Experience (Published)

This study examined the impact of government infrastructural development on transportation (IFDT), road (IFDR), water (IFDW) and telecommunication (ITEL) as they influence the growth process of the Nigerian economy, proxy by real GDP (RGDP), from 1990 to 2023. Data were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin (various issues), World Development Indicators (WDI), and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Four models were estimated to capture the influence of infrastructure development on GDP growth. The Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and Phillips Perron (PP) unit root tests were conducted to ascertain the level of stationarity of the series. Descriptive statistics and econometric methods of Auto-Regressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) model and Granger causality estimation tests were conducted to examine the long run relationship of the series.The analysis revealed that infrastructure development on transport services (IFDT) was positive and significant in explaining changes in real GDP of Nigeria. However, Infrastructure development on road (IFDR), water (IFDW) and telecommunication (ITEL) were negative and not significant in explaining changes in Nigeria’s real GDP within the study period. On this basis therefore, the study concludes that there is no long run relationship between the dependent variable (RGDP) and the explanatory variables (IFDT, IFDR, IFDW and ITEL). It was recommended that the government, in partnership with the private sector, should increase her investment in the provision of infrastructural facilities that are reliable, durable and affordable to the people, as this will not just reduce the cost of doing business but also attract foreign investors into the country. Proper and dedicated maintenance culture of existing infrastructure facilities should be prioritized as this will save government huge amount that can be channeled into other areas of development.

Keywords: Infrastructure development on water, Nigeria, Road, economic growth, telecommunication

Government Expenditure and the Nigerian Economy Growth Performance (Published)

This study explicitly examined the effects of government expenditure on education, agriculture and manufacturing, on the growth performance of the Nigerian economy from 2000 to 2023, using the ARDL Bounds test approach. Annual data were sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and World Bank Indicators (various issues). The Augmented Dickey Fuller and Phillips Perron unit root tests were used to check the level of stationarity while the ARDL Bounds test to cointegration was used to justify the long-run relationship. It was discovered that a positive relationship exists between government expenditure and the growth performance of the Nigerian economy (proxy by GDP). Therefore, an improved educational sector due to increased budgetary allocation on education positively influence agriculture and ultimately, the manufacturing sector. This is because the output of the education sector are inputs to the agricultural sector and the output of the agricultural sector are inputs to the manufacturing sector. It was therefore recommended that for an improved agricultural and manufacturing sector performance, the government should improve her budgetary allocations to the educational sector. Furthermore, taxes on luxury goods should be increased and the proceeds channeled towards the funding of infrastructural facilities that are capable of boosting the performances of these key sectors. The government should increase her partnership with the private sector in relation to financing public expenditure through Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) in their host communities and beyond.

Keywords: ARDL bounds test, Government Expenditure, Growth Performance, Nigeria

Manufacturing Exports and Employment Nexus in Nigeria (Published)

Nigeria has lower manufacturing employment than other industries for several reasons, including it share to Gross domestic product. Nigeria’s manufacturing sector contributes less than 10 percent of the nation’s GDP. This suggests that the sector’s overall economic production is weak, which may restrict its ability to provide job opportunities to the teeming populace. This study investigates the impact of manufacturing output on employment in Nigeria. The Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) estimation technique was used to establish the long run relationship among the variables. It was revealed that long run relationship exists among the variables in the estimated model. The results of the Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) within the framework of the ARDL shows that the development of the manufacturing sector is one of the key strategies for the creation of employment opportunities in Nigeria. The study recommends; the development and diversification of the manufacturing sector as one of its top long-term policy strategies for the creation of employment for Nigerians. It also suggests that policies aimed at attracting foreign investment in this sector could positively impact on employment generation. This can be accomplished by providing incentives to the operators of the manufacturing sector, such as import waivers on essential imported inputs, providing and guaranteeing large commercial trading businesses to enter the manufacturing of their products through licensing, facilitating and acting as surety in franchise agreements with foreign manufacturers, and any other incentive to help lower the manufacturing sector’s cost of production. Hence, the government must prioritize the development of the manufacturing sector by providing necessary support and incentives to attract more investors and increase local production, which will lead to job creation and economic growth for Nigerians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keywords: ARDL, Employment, Nigeria, manufacturing exports

Exchange Rate Volatility and Export of Agricultural Produce in Nigeria (Published)

This study examined the effect of exchange rate variation on the export of agricultural produce in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study include; examining the effects of exchange rate variation; Trade openness; Agricultural financing; and Agricultural employment on the export of agricultural produce in Nigeria. This study adopted the VAR estimation technique in ascertaining the nexus between exchange rate variation and the export of agricultural produce in Nigeria. Data for this study were sourced from World Development Indicators, WDI, a publication of the World Bank; Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Statistical Bulletin and Annual Reports for the various years; and the National Bureau of Statistics. The data covered a period of 35 years 1986 – 2021. The analysis began with a descriptive statistic, unit root test and a co-integration test to ascertain the suitability of the data that entered the model. Thereafter, the VAR estimation technique used in estimating the model for this study. The variables of the model include: AGRXPT, EXRV, TOPEN, AGRFIN and AGREMP. The results show that EXRV, TOPEN, AGRFIN and AGREMP exert a positive effect on AGRXPT. The study therefore concludes that EXRV, TOPEN, AGRFIN and AGREMP play a vital role in enhancing the export of agricultural produce in Nigeria. Based on that, the study recommends increased domestic production of agricultural produce, implementation of export oriented policies that will engender increased foreign exchange inflows towards a stable exchange rate system and adequate training and extension services to boost the competence of the labour force in the agricultural sector.

Keywords: Exchange Rate, Export, Nigeria, agricultural produce, volatility

Capital flight Effects on Government Income and Budget Balance in Nigeria (2019-2030): A Dynamic SCGE Modelling Approach (Published)

This research analyse the dynamic effects of capital flight on government income and budget balance in Nigeria. The study used a dynamic structuralist computable general equilibrium (SCGE) model to run simulations that indicate the nature of capital flight effect on Nigerian government income and budget balance over the period 2019–2030. The findings show that a successive increase in capital flight in Nigeria will exerts a negative effect on government income and positive effect on government budget balance in the immediate, short, medium and very long term. This study concluded that the government income is vulnerable to capital flight and is affected by successive outflow of legal or illegal capital. On the basis of the findings, this study recommends the following strategies to curb capital flight from Nigeria, these include, plugging the holes through which money leaks, transparency and quality of bilateral trade data, checking the role of multinational corporations in trade misinvoicing, CBN should introduce selective, targeted, and time-bound capital controls to stem outflows, especially outflows through banking channels. Government should thus depend more on domestic borrowing as a means of supplementing its resources. Government and policymakers must establishment of well-functioning political and judicial institutions that will ensure political stability within a country and overly expansionary monetary and fiscal policies, an incompatible exchange-rate policy, and a repressive set of financial policies should be designed to divert resources toward the public.

Keywords: Capital Flight, Nigeria, SCGE, government income and budget balance

International Trade and Economic Growth in Nigeria (Published)

This study evaluated the impact of international trade on economic growth in Nigeria from 1986 to 2021.The variables used in this study comprised of gross domestic product as a dependent variable, while oil exports, non-oil exports, oil imports, non-oil imports and exchange rate are the explanatory variables. The employed variables have different order of integration ranging from zero and one, which led to the application of auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) model as the method of analysis. The ARDL model investigated long-run and short-run interactions among the variables. The results showed evidence of co-integrating equations amongst the variables. Hence, the key findings that satisfied the research objectives are (i) oil exports have significant positive impact on economic growth in Nigeria in both short-run and long-run. (ii) Non-oil exports exerted positive and significant influence on economic growth in Nigeria in both short-run and long-run. (iii). Oil imports negatively and significantly affected the growth rate of the Nigeria’s economy and (iv) non-oil imports affect the economic growth in Nigeria negatively and insignificantly in both the short-run long-run. The results imply that N1 rise in oil exports increases economic growth by N0.089 in the short-run and by N0.376 in the long-run; whereas N1 rise in non-oil exports increases economic growth by N0.047 in the short-run and N0.199 increase in the long-run. However, N1 rise in oil imports, decreases economic growth by N0.019 in the short-run and N0.092 decrease in the long-run; whereas N1 rise in non-oil imports, decreases economic growth by N0.022 in the short-run and N0.92 decrease in the long-run. Based on the findings, the study recommended that Nigerian government should make judicious use of proceeds from export of crude oil to diversify other productive sectors of the economy. Again, the activities of non-oil sectors like agriculture, industry, etc, should be stimulated to enhance non-oil exports in Nigeria.

Keywords: Exports, Imports, International Trade, Nigeria, economic growth

Science Education as a Tool for Achieving Socio – Economic Development of Nigeria (Published)

This study delves into the profound connection between science education and the socio-economic development of Nigeria. The paper explores the transformative potential of science education as a catalyst for socio-economic development in Nigeria. It examines how science education fosters innovation, shapes a skilled workforce, and drives economic diversification. By nurturing a scientifically literate populace, Nigeria can navigate challenges and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing global landscape. The paper emphasizes policy implications, including holistic education reform, industry collaboration, and international partnerships. Ultimately, science education emerges as a dynamic tool that can empower Nigeria to drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and build a resilient and prosperous future.

 

Keywords: Development, Economy, Nigeria, Science Education, Socio-Economic

Determinants of Tax Compliance Behaviour and Sustainable Economic Growth Among MSMEs in Nigeria (Published)

This study examined the effects of determinants of tax compliance behaviour on sustainable economic growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in South-South, Nigeria. The study anchored on the economic deterrence theory and cross sectional survey research design was used on a sample of MSMEs in South-South, Nigeria. The primary data was collected using a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale and a sample size of 535 using convenience sampling. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis while multivariate analysis was used in the estimation of the regression model developed for the study. The findings revealed that tax penalty has positive and significant influence on sustainable economic growth among MSMEs in south-south of Nigeria; tax fairness has positive and significant influence on sustainable economic growth among MSMEs in south-south of Nigeria; perceived opportunities of tax evasion has negative and insignificant influence on sustainable economic growth among MSMEs in south-south of Nigeria; tax audit has positive and significant effect on sustainable economic growth among MSMEs in south-south of Nigeria; and tax system has positive and significant influence on sustainable economic growth among MSMEs in south-south of Nigeria. On the basis of the findings, the study concluded that tax determinants such as tax penalty, tax fairness, tax audit, tax system and opportunity for evasion affects the level of sustainable economic growth among micro, small and medium enterprises in South-South Nigeria. The study recommended amongst others that government should expand the tax administration system in Nigeria and strengthen tax collection schemes and follow up procedures on MSMEs. Also frequent tax reforms designed and implemented that would increase revenue generation through tax collection and consequently stimulating sustainable economic growth of Nigeria.

Keywords: Nigeria, sustainable economic growth, tax audit, tax fairness, tax penalty

Public Expenditure, Official Development Assistant and Economic Growth: A Time Series Analysis for Nigeria (1981 – 2018) (Published)

In addition to divergent views of economists on the effect of public expenditure on economic growth, results of existing empirical studies in developed and developing economies has remained inconclusive and tends to depend on the period of study, econometric method, nature of data and the composition of government expenditure. In this study, public expenditure in Nigeria is decomposed into domestic and the foreign receipts components. The domestic component comprises capital expenditure (GCE) and recurrent expenditure (GRE) while the foreign receipts component captures foreign inflow of official development assistance (ODA). Employing extended aggregate production function framework and bound test approach (ARDL model), this study examined the impact of each of these three components of public expenditure (GCE, GRE and ODA) on economic growth in Nigeria for the period (1981- 2018). The findings of this study indicate the existence of a long run relationship between the macroeconomic variables estimated in the model. The recurrent expenditure (GRE) has positive impact on economic growth both in the short-run and in the long-run, countering the widely held view that government consumption spending is growth-reducing. The capital expenditure (GCE) and official development assistance (ODA) have negative impact on economic growth in Nigeria both in the short-run and long-run. The granger causality test result shows no causal relationship between GDP and GCE and between GDP and ODA, but a bi-directional causal relationship exists between GDP and GRE. It is recommended that greater percentage of public fund should be expended as capital expenditure and such fund should be properly utilized on acquisition of physical capital and social overhead capital like transportation, electricity, communication, irrigation, flood control, research and human capital development, capital formation in agricultural and industrial sectors to enhance the productive capacity of the economy. ODA in recent times has been unreliable source of finance in Less Developed countries, hence Nigeria should not heavily depend on it. However, whatever ODA is received should be properly utilized and channel into productive projects which have significant positive impact on economic activities and wellbeing of the populace. The fight against corruption in the country should be frontally confronted to free more public fund for collective development purposes in the country.   

Keywords: Capital Expenditure, Nigeria, Official Development Assistance, Public expenditure, Recurrent Expenditure, economic growth

Investigating Tunneling from Nigerian non-finance Listed Companies (Published)

The study investigates directors tunnelling in Nigeria drawing samples from listed non-finance firms on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Group market. While directors tunnelling proxied by directors’ remuneration is the dependent variable, the independent variables adopted for this study includes ownership concentration, big4 auditors, capital structure and cash holding. Furthermore, in line with related extant literature, we employed the variable of firm size to control our model. Data set employed in this study spans through the periods between 2011 and 2020. In the light of this, the empirical result of this study leads to the conclusion that out of the four independent variables adopted in this study, only big4 auditors and capital structure significantly affect directors tunnelling. Specifically, we conclude that when a big4 firm audit the accounts of the firms in our sample, directors tunnelling declines. Similarly, we conclude that the more a firm finances their operations through debt, directors tunnelling declines. Succinctly, we recommend that firms should strive towards debt financing while also seeking to employ the services of big4 auditors to keep at bay tunnelling among listed non-finance firms.

Citation: Aluwong Dogara Blessed  (2022) Investigating Tunneling from Nigerian non-finance Listed Companies, International Journal of Development and Economic Sustainability, Vol.10, No.1, pp.13-25

Keywords: Companies, Investigating, Nigeria, non-finance listed, tunneling