Using both graphical and geometric analyses, this paper examines the extent of inequity in healthcare finance among the Nigerian population. One of the acclaimed plans in healthcare in this teeming community is the mix method of financing but the system in practise is dominated with Object Oriented Programmings (OOPs) meanwhile the degree of income inequality still remain high. Using the Nigerian Living Standard Survey (NLSS) data conducted in 2004, the framework for this study relies on Kakwani Progressivity Index (KPI). A decomposition of the groups into lower and upper bound however, reveal that health payment for lower bound is regressive while payment for upper bound is progressive. Although, the upper bound result dominates the entire result which finally suggests a progressive system arising from the spending habit of the rich in seeking for healthcare services abroad.

Does the quality of institutions affect economic growth in West African countries? Which institutional variable aids or harms economic growth in the region? Is the effect of institutions on economic growth in former French-colonised countries different from that of British-colonised countries? This study addresses these questions. Specifically, we first examined the effect of six institutional variables on economic growth for each of the 13 West African countries. Then, we employed panel data estimation techniques to examine the overall effect of the quality of institutions on the economies of the region. Finally, we grouped the 13 countries into French-colonised and British colonised countries following the argument of Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson (2001,2005) and then examined the impact of institutional quality on the economic growth of these subgroups. Our findings reveal that the effect of institutional variables on the economy of each country varies. Overall, we find that government stability and democratic accountability have a positive and significant influence on economic growth, while control of corruption and socioeconomic conditions have deleterious effects on economic growth. Finally, institutions contribute positively to economic growth in French-colonised countries compared to British-colonised countries. The results imply that there is a need to strengthen institutions in West Africa, especially in former British colonies.

The study investigated the role of institutional quality in the relationship between health expenditure and labour force participation (LFP) in Africa, taking into consideration two forms of health expenditures (government health expenditure (GHE) and out-of-pocket health expenditure (OOPHE)) and gender labour force participation dichotomy. We employed data of 39 African countries for the period between 2000 and 2018 using Panel Fixed Effects with Driscoll and Kraay standard errors and two-stage System Generalised Method of Moments (GMM). The results revealed that government health expenditure yields an increasing effect on total, female, and male LFP. OOPHE, in most cases, leads to a decline in LFP. The institutional quality was found to be detrimental to LFP. The magnitude of the positive effect of government health expenditure on LFP is reduced by the interaction of institutional quality with government expenditure. In conclusion, we advocate for the improvement in institutional apparatuses across African countries. JEI CODE: E62; H51; J21; O43

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of catastrophic household health expenditure in Nigeria, with particular focus on Out-of-Pocket (OOP) health expenditure. Payments for healthcare through OOP are the major means of channeling funds to healthcare providers in many developing countries including Nigeria. It has great consequence on household well-being, especially when it is difficult for household to meet up with spending on other necessity goods.Design/methodology/approachThe demand for health theory provided the theoretical framework. The study used data from 2018/2019 Nigeria Living Standard Survey (NLSS) with catastrophic thresholds of 10 and 25%. A logistic regression model was used, while Pearson chi-squared test was used for models' goodness of fit.FindingsBased on the obtained result using Pearson chi-squared, at 10% threshold of total non-food expenditure, the likelihood of experiencing catastrophic health expenditure increased with secondary education, for those without health insurance and for severely ill or injured by 1.48, 2.57 and 8.70, respectively. It fell for those who consulted patent medicine vendors/chemists for illness or injury by 0.63 compared to orthodox practitioners. Enhancement of post-secondary education and widening the coverage of the available social health insurance would minimise the financial burden on many households.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills the need to examine the determinants of catastrophic household health expenditure on two catastrophic thresholds and two forms of household expenditure.