TAXES AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: THE NIGERIA INSIGHT

Abstract

This study examined the effect of tax structure on economic growth in Nigeria. The specific objectives were; to study the effect of petroleum profit tax on the economic growth of Nigeria and the effect of stamp duty on the economic growth of Nigeria. The study used time series data from the period 1999-2021. Relevant data is taken from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin (various years), National Bureau of Statistics and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) reports for various years. ARDL (Autoregressive Distributive Lag) regression analysis technique using STRATA 16 was used to test the assumptions. The study found that oil profit tax has a significant positive effect on Nigeria's economic growth, while corporate income tax has an insignificant effect on Nigeria's economic growth during the period under review. Meanwhile, stamp duty has a significant negative impact on Nigeria's economic growth during the study period. This study recommends that the government improve public institutions and provide strong public investment, which should be used as a source of domestic income for various business activities.