Sovereign Wealth Fund and Economic Growth in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

This paper evaluates the sovereign wealth fund of Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria administration with a view to empirically examine the factors that affect its creation and operations vis-à-vis its impacts on the growth of the economy. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. The study was guided by five research objectives. All the 40 staff of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) in the state constituted the target population. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 30 staff of the establishment for the study. Mean scores and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Parametric statistics in forms of analysis of variance-ANOVA, coefficient of correlation and simple linear regression were used to analyze the hypothesis. We determined the effect of SWF on the economic growth using gross domestic product as a major economic performance indicator. The study found that the link between SWF and economic growth in Nigeria is statistically significant but not positive. The reason is because the sovereign wealth fund is new in Nigeria, coupled with several challenges facing its operations hence has not contributed much to the GDP growth rate of the economy. Some remedial measures were suggested which include the need to ensure that the financial and operational independence of the organs of the NSIA be guaranteed by statute; the NSIA and its organs must be shielded from undue political influence through well defined administrative and operating procedures and that transparency and accountability in reporting must be seen as major watch words of the Fund.