Foreign Debts Strategy Thesis for Improved Living Standard: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

This study examined whether foreign debts have been able to improve or otherwise Nigeria’s economy towards improving the living standard of her citizenry with respect to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), USD exchange rate, inflation rate and foreign direct investment (FDI) for the period 1986 to 2017. The study was carried out in Nigeria with respect to other countries doing business with Nigeria. The study also made use of secondary data for the period under consideration. Data obtained were subjected to the cointegration test, which results show that the F-statistic is greater than the lower and upper bound critical value at a five per cent (5%) significance level. Thus, the null hypothesis of no long-run relationship is rejected at a five per cent (5%) significance level. It can, therefore, be inferred that the variables are cointegrated holding the external debt profile as the independent variable. Furthermore, the Ordinary Least Square Linear Multiple Regression Analyses (OLSLMRA) revealed that foreign debt significantly affected adversely, the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), USD exchange rate and foreign direct investment; except for inflation rate. The study, therefore, concluded that foreign debts, though not the best option for countries striving to survive; still have a significant effect on Nigeria’s economy and indeed her living standard. The study recommends diversification of Nigeria’s economy outside the crude oil to include agriculture, solid minerals, manufacturing, trade and industry to improve on her gross domestic product (GDP), exchange rate, inflation rate and foreign direct investment (FDI) and thus better the living standard of her citizenry.