A temporal study of the responsiveness of foreign private investment to exchange rate in Nigeria, 1981 – 2018

Abstract

This study examined the response of foreign private investment flows to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates in Nigeria. The empirical analysis was conducted using ordinary least square Multiple Regression on E-view 10 Econometric model for the period 1981 to 2018. Preliminary analysis was carried out with Jarque Bera normality test and Johnson’s transformation test to confirm normal distribution of data and the transformation is effective. A negative relationship between foreign exchange fluctuation and foreign private investment is found. Also, that Bank lending interest rate, market capitalization, external debts and trade openness have a significant effect on the foreign private capital flows in Nigeria while foreign exchange rate fluctuation does not significantly affect private investment. From the findings of the study, we recommend i) That policymakers in Nigeria should seek and implement appropriate exchange rate that will boost foreign private investment; ii) Ensure enlarge trade relationship by allowing international organizations and citizens of other countries access to the financial market in the domestic economy; iii) They should discourage external borrowing to significantly reduce debt service burden.