THE IMPACT OF MICRO-FINANCE BANKS ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH OF NIGERIA

ABSTRACT
The study seeks to examine the impact of microfinance banks on economic growth of a country, thus using Nigeria as a case study. The study employs the multiple regression analysis given that the data are cross-sectional and time series in nature. Secondary data of all commercial banks were extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical Bulletin and Annual Reports. Data used in this model are time series secondary data for the period 1992 to 2012.The findings of the study show that microfinance loans have a significant positive impact on the short run economic performance in Nigeria. Microfinance loans enhanced consumption per capita in short run with an impressive coefficient, although these banks‘ loans do not have a significant impact on economic growth in the long run. Microfinance investment however, has a significant impact on economic performance in Nigeria in the long run. Although micro finance loans are relevant in growth process in Nigeria, other measures such as boosting agricultural production and taking appropriate steps to enhance per capita income are equally important in boosting the Nigerian economic growth. We recommend that, microfinance institutions should loan to improve consumption in the short run, while the long run goal should be to improve investment and other capital accumulation.
 
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
It would be observed that, despite the presumed developments in the Nigerian economy, the country is still largely being regarded as a developing country (Onyema, 2006). More so, its industrial growth is not quite impressive. Before the emergence of formal microfinance institutions, informal microfinance activities flourished all over the country. Traditionally, microfinance in Nigeria entails traditional informal practices such as local money lending, rotating credit and savings practices, credit from friends and