Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Tax Administration Reforms and Economic Growth in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis of Post-2015 Policy Changes

Bridget Mlumun Akaakohol, Hiam Aondoawase, Iorkaan Samuel Kuma

Abstract

This study examines the impact of tax administration reforms on economic growth in Nigeria, especially focusing on the policy changes that took place after 2015. The study uses an ex-post facto research design, drawing on annual time-series data from 2010 to 2024. The study adopted Autoregressive Distributed Lag model for data analysis. The findings indicate a long-term relationship between taxation and economic growth. Specifically, tax revenue components like TR, VAT, and CIT show positive and statistically significant effects on economic growth. The reform dummy variable suggests that the tax administration reforms implemented post-2015 have notably improved the effectiveness of taxation in fostering economic growth. Additionally, the error correction mechanism indicates a stable adjustment process towards long-term equilibrium. However, factors like inflation and exchange rate fluctuations were found to have limiting effects on growth. In conclusion, the study highlights that tax administration reforms in Nigeria have led to better revenue performance and have positively impacted economic growth, although there are still challenges in areas such as tax compliance and macroeconomic stability. To build on these findings, the study recommends enhancing digital tax systems, expanding the tax base, improving the efficiency of tax administration, and ensuring that tax revenue is effectively utilized.

Keywords

Tax Administration ReformsEconomic GrowthARDLNigeriaTax Revenue

References

Adamu, S., Mahmoud, M., & Shagari, S. (2025). Impact of tax reforms on economic development in Nigeria. Journal of Business Development and Management Research, 7(7), 70-85. Ajakaiye, O., Jerome, A., Olaniyan, O., Oyinlola, M., & Alaba, O. (2018). Tax reforms and revenue mobilization in Nigeria. Ibadan: NISER. Angbazo, D. A., & Iorlaha, M. (2024). Effect of tax reforms on revenue generation in Nigeria: a conceptual and theoretical review. Journal of Advanced Research and Multidisciplinary Studies, 4(4), 203-211. Arnold, J., Brys, B., Heady, C., Johansson, Å., Schwellnus, C., & Vartia, L. (2011). Tax policy for economic recovery and growth. Economic Journal, 121(550), F59–F80. Azubuike, R., Anorue, H., Adeleye, O., & Ekanem, E. (2024). Tax administration in Nigeria: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Economics, Business and Management Research. 8(09), 303-313. Bird, R. M. (2015). Improving tax administration in developing countries. Journal of Tax Administration, 1(1), 23–45. Central Bank of Nigeria . (2022). Statistical Bulletin. Abuja: CBN. Chika, O., Oshiogwemoh, D., & Promise, E. (2022). Impact of tax reforms on economic growth of Nigeria (2000-2021). Goodwood Akuntansi dan Auditing Reviu , 1(1), 79-96. Eneche, E., & Stephen, I. (2020). Tax revenue and Nigeria economic growth. European Journal of Economics and Business Studies, 7(2), 60-80. Federal Inland Revenue Service . (2021). Finance Act Implementation Report. Abuja: FIRS. Federal Inland Revenue Service . (2023). Annual Report. Abuja: FIRS. Herbert, W., Nwarogu, I., & Nwabueze, C. (2018). Tax reforms and Nigeria’s economic stability. International Journal of Applied Economics, Finance and Accounting, 3(2), 74- 87. Keen, M. (2013). Taxation and development. Journal of Economic Literature, 51(4), 1059–1096. Odusola, A. (2020). Tax policy reforms in Nigeria. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.70382/ajbdmr.v7i7.007. Ogbonna, G. N., & Appah, E. (2016). Impact of tax revenue on economic growth in Nigeria. Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 7(20), 32–38. Onaolapo, A. A., Fasina, H. T., & Adegbite, T. A. (2020). Value added tax and economic growth in Nigeria. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 10(1), 123–130. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development . (2023). Revenue Statistics in Africa 2023. Paris: OECD Publishing. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development . (2021). Tax administration 2021: Comparative information on OECD and other advanced economies. Paris: OECD. Udeaja, E., Yusuf, M., & Offum, P. (2025). Estimating tax buoyancy for Nigeria in the light of emerging tax reforms. Journal of Tax Reform, 11(1), 25–38. World Bank. (2024). World Development Indicators. Washington, DC: World Bank.

More Articles from JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL POLICY