ABSTRACT
This research work tries to investigate the effectiveness of macroeconomic policy in promoting economic growth in Nigeria. Macroeconomic policies, which is defined as government actions designed to affect the performance of the economy as a whole. Data used in this research (GDP, government expenditure, money supply) was mainly secondary, specifically from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). These data were analysed using econometric technique. After the data analysis, it was discovered that money supply has a positive relationship with the GDP while the government expenditure is universally related with GDP. Also, the monetary and fiscal policies were compared. At the end of the research, conclusions were drawn and reasonable recommendations were given.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
It has been historically evidenced that market mechanism does not ensure general equilibrium and stability in the economy. As a result, macroeconomic problems-business cycles, inflation, deflation, stagflation and unemployment continue to arise time and again. Therefore, government is forced to adopt policy measures to redress the problems as and when they arise. If governments are to intervene in the economy, there still remains the problem of selecting the appropriate instruments of achieving the targets they set for themselves.
Macroeconomics, which was introduced by Ragnar Frisch in 1933 during the period of great depression globally, applies to the study of relations between broad economic aggregates. It refers to the study of the performance of the national economy as well as the policies used to improve that performance. Policy on the other hand, according to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary means plan action agreed or chosen by a political party, business etc.
Macroeconomic polices therefore, can be defined as government actions designed to affect the performance of the economy as a whole. It can also be defined as a programme of action undertaken to control, regulate and manipulate macroeconomic variables to achieve the macroeconomic goals of the society. In the words of Brooks and Evans, "Macroeconomic policy can be thought of as an attempt by the authorities to achieve particular target levels of certain major economic aggregates". A macroeconomic policy is, infact an instrument of policing the economy (if one may use that phrase) to achieve certain economic goals. As regards the scope of macroeconomic policy, it encompasses all major economic variables. Macroeconomic variables include both real and monetary variable. Real variables include, Gross National Product (GNP), Total Employment, Aggregate Expenditure, Saving and Investment Government Expenditure as well as tax and Non-Tax Revenue, Exports and Imports and the balance of Payment, Monetary Variables include supply of money, demand for money, supply of credit, bank deposit as well as interest rate. Accordingly, there are two kinds of tools or measure to control and regulate the macroeconomic variables namely; monetary measure and fiscal measure.
Some economist believes that "The need for macroeconomic policy arises because the economic system does not adjust appropriately to the shocks to which it is constantly subjected". However, the role of macroeconomic policy did not remain confined to controlling business cycles, it was extended far beyond.
Before and after Nigeria got her independence in 1960, the Nigerian economy can be characterized as an economy that has witnessed a variety of macro economic policies, not all have however, succeeded in achieving the laid down objectives of the macroeconomic polices. In the past few years, the Nigerian economy has witnessed serious macroeconomic problems, characterized by slow down in economic activities, low capacity utilization, growing unemployment, heavy debt burden, accelerated inflation, intensified exchange rate depreciation, as well as high and perverted regime of interest rates.
1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
The motive of any development effort is to bring about improvement in the standard of living of the people. It is to this end that macroeconomic objectives are directed. Therefore, it follows that there is a functional and significant relationship between macroeconomic policies and stated objectives. The economy of developing countries like Nigeria is characterized by a lot of economic problems such as high rate of inflation, unemployment, unfovourable balance of payment and many others. Over the years, many instrument of macroeconomic policy have been employed to check these backward phenomena. Hence, this study aims towards evaluating effectiveness of these macroeconomic policies in achieving predetermined target.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
It is hoped that this research work will be practically and theoretically significant as it will contribute to and move the frontiers of knowledge. There is no doubt that this study will benefit quite a number of people.
In -the first instance, the research work will be extremely important to students in their academic pursuit. Secondly, experts and policy makers will find it a good and useful companion in their effort to formulate policies. Furthermore, this research work will equally be germane to the state, in that it will enhance effective and efficient formulation and implementation of policies with a view to achieving macroeconomic objectives.
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