International Capital Flows and Inclusive Growth in Nigeria

The study is on the effect of Net capital inflow on inclusive growth in Nigeria. This study seeks to deepen the understanding on how capital inflow creates opportunity for inclusive growth in Nigeria through increase in GDP per capita. The objective of the study were to : determine the effect of Net capital inflow , Net foreign direct investment and trade openness on inclusive growth in Nigeria. The study employed the time series data in its analysis. The period of analysis spanned through 1980-2015 and the dataset required for the analysis were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin and National bureau of statistics publications. The study conducted trend analysis, descriptive analysis. The data were also tested for stationarity using the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root test and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) analytical techniques, cointegration test and error correction mechanism. It was evident from the unit root test that the variables were fractionally integrated while the cointegration test reveals that long run relationship exists among the variables. The findings equally reveal that capital inflow exerts significant negative influence on GDP per capita. This could be attributed to the problem of managing external capital flows which has been sub-optimal in most developing economies including Nigeria. The implication of this finding is that the perceived benefits that are associated with capital inflows tend not to hold sway in Nigeria over the sampled period which may be attributed to institutional and governance failure. Owing to the findings, this study recommends for the adoption of investment friendly policies and ensure transparency and good governance, appropriate economic management practices capable of supporting reforms in the Nigerian financial system and guide international capital inflows to ensure that the associated economic turnarounds are people-centered.