The impact of petroleum on economic growth in Nigeria

The study examines the impact of petroleum on economic growth of the Nigerian economy. Data covering the period 1980-2011 was collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, and transparency international Agency annual publications and analyzed using econometric approach. The stationary status of the time series data was examined using Augmented Dickey Fuller test. The regressand is Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP), The regressors are Foreign direct investment (FDI), Oil revenue (OIL), Corruption index (CI), External debt (EXDEBT). The series attained stationary after differencing. The Johansen cointegration test was conducted to ascertain the long run equilibrium condition of the variables in the model. The variables were cointegrated because four cointegrating equations were found. The Parsimonous model was established to account for the short run dynamic adjustments required for stable long run equilibrium. It was discovered that the variables: oil revenue and corruption index impacts negatively on Real GDP, while FDI and EXDEBT have positive impact on the growth of the economy. This means that the resource curse theory is proven to be true in Nigeria. The study concludes that, if the petroleum industry bill is passed and implemented to the letters, there exists hope for the Nigerian nation.