1Chijuka I. Michael
&
2*Imoseme M. Izedomi
1Department of Finance
2Department of Actuarial Science & Insurance
Faculty of Management Sciences
University of Benin, Benin City
*For correspondence, email: imoseme.izedomi@uniben.edu
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between the insurance sector and economic growth in Nigeria (1985-2024), focusing on insurance investment, life insurance premiums, non-life insurance premiums, and inflation rate. Using VECM and Granger causality test, the study analyzes both long-run and short-run interactions. The VECM results reveal that GDP growth (-0.421, p = 0.001) has a significant speed of adjustment, meaning that any deviation from the long-run equilibrium corrects itself at a rate of 42.1% per year. Insurance investment (-0.278, p = 0.005) significantly contributes to economic growth, adjusting back to equilibrium at 27.8% per year. Non-life insurance premiums (-0.365, p = 0.002) and life insurance premiums (-0.214, p = 0.008) exhibit strong long-run relationships with GDP, with adjustment rates of 36.5% and 21.4% per year, respectively. Inflation (-0.132, p = 0.049) is marginally significant, playing a role in long-run adjustments but at a slower rate of 13.2% per year. The Granger causality test confirms bi-directional causality between GDP growth and insurance sector variables, reinforcing a mutually reinforcing relationship between economic expansion and insurance sector development. The study recommends enhancing insurance penetration, enforcing mandatory policies, improving investment efficiency, leveraging financial technology, and implementing regulatory reforms to maximize the sector’s contribution to economic growth.
Keywords: Insurance sector, Economic growth, Insurance investment, Life insurance, Non-life insurance, Inflation, VECM, Granger causality, Nigeria.
