Fiscal Deficit And Economic Growth, Nigeria Experience

Abstract

This study examines impact of fiscal deficit on the growth of Nigerian economy using co-integration and error correction. Secondary data were gathered from various sources such as; the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin, economic and financial review monthly and annual reports and statement of accounts for various years. The time series property of the data employed, are first to be investigated. This is then followed by testing for co-integrated variables. From the unit root test, the results clearly indicate that the variables are integrated of the same order at first difference. Also, from the multivariate co-integration test, within the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) the results indicate that there are, at most, two co-integrating vectors. This implies that there exists a stable long-run relationship between economic growth and budgeting components. From the study, it was discovered that deficit budget is one of the indicators of macroeconomic instability and significantly discourage human capital accumulation. However, recommendations are made based on the findings among which are that government should set its priorities right, be more committed to budget implementation and to pay more attention to capital expenditure geared towards growth.