The paper tests the efficacy of fiscal theory of price level in Nigeria using an autoregressive distributed lag model for the period from 2002 Q1 to 2017 Q4. The study seeks to test the hypothesis that of Leeper (1991) and Sims (1998) that the price level is not independently determined by the monetary authorities, rather it is as a result of the relationship between monetary and fiscal authorities. The Nigerian Federal Government has had to resort to continuous borrowing in order to meet its financial obligations. The size of the fiscal deficit has ballooned which if not controlled could worsen fiscal vulnerability and eventually lead to financial distress. We find that fiscal deficits have a positive and statistically significant effect on inflation in all models estimated, attributed to the high degree of fiscal dominance in Nigeria. Giving our findings, Nigerian economy needs to address the challenge of high fiscal imbalances.

This paper investigates the inflationary impact of the various financing options for the federal government budget deficit which has accumulated overtime. Using Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methodology and quarterly data over the period 2000Q1 to 2017Q2, the study found significant relationship between inflation and the current financing options of the Government. Overall, the result of our ARDL model affirm that the impact of fiscal spending in Nigeria on inflation is captured more in the short-run since none of the variables is significant in the long-run. In addition, the use of Banking System Financing to fund government deficits has better potentials as the optimal choice because its impact on inflation is insignificant. Federal Government Bonds as a tool for financing budget deficits is also considered an optimal choice because though it causes inflation to rise by the second quarter, but its impact on inflation is expected to fizzle out in the long-run. Ways and Means Advances on the other hand, was shown to have the highest inflationary impact and as such, its use as a tool for financing government deficit should be discouraged. We, therefore, recommend a couple of appropriate policy options for financing budget deficits in Nigeria namely monetary financing and the issuance of federal government bonds. On the policy side, more efficient public expenditure management. Capital market, co-financing arrangements with pension funds and issuance of project-tied bonds, would be beneficial.