The Main Determinants of Inflation in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper analyzes the dominant factors influencing inflation in Nigeria. An error correction model of the inflation process is developed based on money market equilibrium conditions. The results of this analysis confirm the basic findings of earlier studies, namely, that monetary expansion, driven mainly by expansionary fiscal policies, explains to a large degree the inflationary process in Nigeria. Other important factors are the devaluation of the naira and agroclimatic conditions. It was found that concurrent fiscal and monetary policies had a major influence on the impact of the depreciation of the naira on inflation.