EFFECT OF SELECTED MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES ON BANK LENDING IN NIGERIA.

Bank lending in Nigeria can never be overemphasis as banks play a very crucial role in the development of evety economy. This study examines the impact of selected macroeconomic variables on bank lending in Nigeria. Secondary data were collectedfrom Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin for period spanning through 2000 to 2018. Employing the econometric methodology of the Johansen Cointegration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), the study established a long run relationship among the variables. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) result shows that exchange rate has no significant effect on banks' lending in Nigeria, while gross domestic product has significant effect on bank lending in Nigeria. Based the findings ofthis study and the conclusion derived, the study recommended that macroeconomic policy makers should adopt policy measures geared toward controlling the rising trend of exchange rate in Nigeria. While effort should be made by the managers of the economy toward restoring the Nigerian economy to the path of sustainable and inclusive growth with the view of aborting the harmful effect of loan curtailment on investment and economic growth in the long-run.