Background of the Study
Aggregate demand is the total demand for goods and services within an economy and is largely influenced by changes in income. In Nigeria, fluctuations in income levels among households and businesses have a profound effect on aggregate demand and, consequently, on GDP. According to Keynesian economic theory, an increase in disposable income boosts consumption expenditure, thereby raising aggregate demand and stimulating economic growth (Ibrahim, 2023). Conversely, declines in income reduce spending, leading to lower aggregate demand and economic contraction.
In Nigeria, income changes are driven by factors such as wage adjustments, business profitability, and remittances from abroad. These income variations impact consumption patterns across different sectors of the economy. When income increases are widespread and inclusive, they lead to a surge in consumer spending, which not only drives production but also encourages investment and job creation. However, if income changes are concentrated among a small segment of the population, the multiplier effect may be limited due to a lower marginal propensity to consume among high-income groups (Oluwaseun, 2024).
This study will analyze the effect of income changes on aggregate demand and GDP in Nigeria by examining historical data on income levels, consumption patterns, and economic output. It will investigate how variations in consumer income—both increases and decreases—affect overall demand in the economy. Additionally, the research will assess the moderating role of factors such as inflation and credit availability, which can either amplify or dampen the effect of income changes on aggregate demand. The findings will provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to stabilize and stimulate the Nigerian economy through measures that promote income stability and enhance consumption.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the clear theoretical linkage between income changes and aggregate demand, Nigeria has experienced inconsistent economic performance in response to fluctuations in income. One of the key problems is that increases in income do not always lead to a commensurate rise in consumption due to factors such as inflation, credit constraints, and income inequality. This disconnect undermines the potential multiplier effect that should, in theory, boost GDP growth (Adeleke, 2023). Moreover, the volatility of income—exacerbated by external shocks and domestic policy shifts—creates uncertainty, which in turn affects consumer confidence and spending.
Another challenge is the uneven distribution of income gains. When income increases are concentrated among a small portion of the population, the overall impact on aggregate demand is muted because high-income households typically have a lower marginal propensity to consume compared to low-income households. This situation leads to suboptimal utilization of the potential boost in demand and limits the positive effect on GDP. Additionally, a lack of reliable data from the informal sector further complicates efforts to measure the true impact of income changes on aggregate demand.
This study seeks to investigate these issues by quantifying the relationship between income changes, aggregate demand, and GDP in Nigeria. The aim is to identify the factors that mediate this relationship and to provide policy recommendations that can enhance the positive impact of income growth on economic performance.
Objectives of the Study
• To quantify the impact of income changes on aggregate demand in Nigeria.
• To examine the relationship between aggregate demand and GDP growth.
• To propose policy measures that stabilize income changes and maximize their positive effect on GDP.
Research Questions
• How do changes in income affect aggregate demand in Nigeria?
• What is the relationship between aggregate demand and GDP growth?
• Which factors moderate the impact of income changes on aggregate demand?
Research Hypotheses
• H1: Increases in consumer income significantly boost aggregate demand in Nigeria.
• H2: There is a positive correlation between aggregate demand and GDP growth.
• H3: Inflation and credit availability moderate the impact of income changes on aggregate demand.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on income changes, aggregate demand, and GDP in Nigeria over the past decade using national economic data. Limitations include the measurement of informal sector activity, data reliability issues, and the influence of external economic shocks.
Definitions of Terms
• Aggregate Demand: The total demand for goods and services within an economy.
• GDP: Gross Domestic Product, a measure of economic output.
• Marginal Propensity to Consume: The proportion of additional income that is spent on consumption.
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