Fiscal Policy Variables-Growth Effect: Hypothesis Testing

Abstract

This study investigated the fiscal policy variables that contributed to growth in Nigeria for the period of 1981 to 2010 in view of hypothesizing the fiscal policy variables-growth effect. Secondary annual time-series data were used. Data on Productive expenditure, Unproductive expenditure, distortionary taxes, non-distortionary taxes, fiscal deficit and real growth rate of GDP were analyzed using cointegration and ordinary least square techniques. Cointegration results show a long run relationship among the variables. Results of fiscal-growth effect model invalidate the claim that only productive expenditure, distortionary taxes and fiscal deficit contribute to growth in case of Nigeria. These results draw attention towards the significance of non-distortionary taxes as addition to three fiscal policy variables that contribute to growth and government should reduce expenditure on recreational-cultural-religious affairs and other functions like political administrative expenses in order to achieve stabilization policies in Nigeria.