ABSTRACT This research work examines econometrically the impact of manufacturing sector on economic growth in Nigeria, from 1981 to 2010. It assesses the effect of manufacturing output (mangdp), investment (inv), government expenditure (govexp) and money supply (m2) on log of real gross domestic product (lrgdp). Appropriate multiple regression model is specified with parameters, which are estimated using the ordinary least square (OLS) technique. Test of hypothesis is carried out and the result shows a positive and significant relationship between manufacturing output and economic growth in Nigeria within the period under investigation. Among other recommendations the study opines that manufacturing outfits should be encouraged by the government through policy packages such as tax holiday and other helpful concessions in order to enhance manufacturing output in the country.

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Prolonged economic recession occasioned by the collapse of the world oil market from the early 1980s and the attendant sharp fall in foreign exchange earnings have adversely affected economic growth and development in Nigeria. Other problems of the economy include excessive dependence on imports for both consumption and capital goods, dysfunctional social and economic infrastructure, unprecedented fall in capacity utilization rate in industry and neglect of the agricultural sector, among others (Ku et al, 2010; Adesina, 1992). These have resulted in fallen incomes and devalued standards of living amongst Nigerians. Although the structural adjustment programme (SAP) was introduced in 1986 to address these problems, no notable improvement took place. From a middle income nation in the 1970s and early 1980s, Nigeria is today among the 30 poorest nations in the world. Putting the country back on the path of recovery and growth will require urgently rebuilding deteriorated infrastructure and making more goods and services available to the citizenry at affordable prices. This would imply a quantum leap in output of goods and services.