Financial Deepening and Economic Growth Nexus in Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between financial deepening and economic growth in Nigeria over the period 1971 to 2020. The literature presents differing views on whether financial deepening has a positive effect on economic growth, prompting further empirical investigation. Annual data on key variables-such as lending interest rate, bank capital, bank liquid reserves, domestic credit, and stock traded-were obtained from the World Bank Indicators. The analysis employed an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model to assess the effects of these variables on Nigeria’s GDP. The results indicated that bank liquid reserves had a positive and statistically significant impact on GDP at the 5% significance level, while domestic credit and stock traded were positive but not statistically significant. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) urgently reconsider its monetary policy rate and the volume of financial resources allocated to the private sector. Additionally, measures should be introduced to cushion the effects of disinvestment and to promote policies that enhance income, liquidity preferences, and savings behavior among citizens, all of which can contribute to a more resilient economy. Finally, financial institutions are encouraged to develop a wider range of financial instruments to attract investors and mobilize idle funds for productive investments.