Fiscal Policy in Nigeria: An Appraisal of the Increasing Role of Sub-National Governments

Abstract

The conduct of economic policy is a shared responsibility of the three tiers of government in Nigeria with federal government having the largest share especially in the area of revenue generation, hence the role of state and local governments in the fiscal policy actions in the past are often disregarded. Analysts are, however, of the view that, in recent times, particularly with the entrenchment of democratic governance, the fiscal policy feats of sub-national government put together are becoming as important as that of federal government. This study therefore assesses the trend in the fiscal policy roles of the three tiers of government in Nigeria, to determine which is dominant; federal or state and local governments put together. The findings of the study indicate that, there is still a “centripetal” bias in the assignments of revenue powers without regard to expenditure responsibilities. The expenditure trends of the sub-national governments have surpassed that of federal government without a corresponding increase in their revenue powers, thereby makes them heavily dependent on federal government for revenue. It also finds an increasing trend in the fiscal deficit of sub-national government. The study suggests further divulgence of tax base in favour of sub-national governments or increase in their share of Federation Account as well as diversification of the nation’s revenue base so as to improve the revenue accruable to all tiers of government.

Keywords: Fiscal policy, government, revenue, expenditure, budget