AN EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF THE INFORMAL SECTOR ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA USING ERROR CORRECTION MODEL (ECM) 1985 - 2014

Abstract

Nigeria with a population of over 160 million people has the highest numbers of workers in the informal sector in Africa. Informal sector therefore, plays a significant role in the Nigerian economy for it creates employment and reduces poverty. This study therefore, examines evolution of the impact of the informal sector on economic growth in Nigeria from 1985 to 2014, using Error Correction model (ECM) to analyze the data. The result reveals that informal sector has long-run and positive relationship with economic growth but statistically insignificant. Based on these findings, the study recommends fiscal regulation and employment policies to foster economic growth and development. And thereby, concludes that informal economy is a source of income but it is difficult to ascertain its contribution to economic growth and development of Nigeria in the short run.