THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL SECTOR REFORMS ON THE NIGERIAN BANKING SECTOR (1980 – 2010)

THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL SECTOR REFORMS ON THE NIGERIAN BANKING SECTOR (1980 – 2010)

ABSTRACT
This study examined the impact of financial sector reforms on the performance of the Nigerian banking sub-sector. The study aimed to test the impact of financial sector reforms lags on the performance of the banking sub- sector. Variables were incorporated in the model to capture other variables that can impact on the performance of the banking sector. While money supply was proxy for financial sector reforms, interest rate was proxy for banking sector performance and variables such as inflation, real GDP and money supply lags were introduced. Data collected covered the period between 1980 to 2010In analyzing the model, the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) methodology was employed. Money supply, inflation rate, real GDP and money supply lags were revealed to have had significant impacts on the performance of the Nigerian banking sub-sector.However, this study further suggested that financial sector reforms must be consistently and continually conceived and implemented. The frequently encountered financial reform reversal and discontinuity must be mitigated if financial deepening, stability and efficiency must be achieved in the banking sector in Nigeria.