Government Expenditure in Nigeria: A Sine Qua Non for Economic Growth and Development

Abstract

This paper analyzes the implications of government spending on the growth of Nigeria economy over the period 1980 – 2009. Using Johansen Cointegration, unit root test and error correction model, it was discovered that total capital expenditure, inflation rate, degree of openness and current government revenue are significant variables to improve growth in Nigeria. In the final analysis, future expenditure on capital and recurrent should be managed along with adequate manipulation of other macroeconomic variables to ensure steady and accelerate growth.

Keywords: Government, Expenditure, Growth and Economy.