Public Sector Capital Expenditure and Tax Revenue Generation in Nigeria

Public sector capital expenditure is an important issue that cannot be ignored due to how it relates to tax revenue generation in Nigeria. This study examined the impact of public sector capital expenditure on tax revenue generation proxy by petroleum profit tax (PPT) in Nigeria. The baseline theory of this study is the Keynesian theory. The research design adopted in this study is the quasi-experimental research design. Secondary data was collected from the National Bureau of Statistics and CBN statistical bulletin. The multiple regression analysis based on the OLS method aided by E-view version 12 computer software was used to analyse the data, and the results were used to test the hypotheses. The findings showed positive significant relationship between the capital expenditure on road construction and PPT in Nigeria. It also revealed a significant positive relationship between capital expenditure on power, light and that PPT in Nigeria. The study revealed significant positive relationship between capital expenditure on security and PPT in Nigeria. Therefore, the study concluded that public sector capital expenditure played a vital role in improving tax revenue generation in Nigeria. The study recommends that since there is a positive relationship between capital expenditure on security, road construction and power with that of PPT, the variables should be sustained in this study. Government should look for means to solve the security challenges in the country, construct more roads, revolutionize electricity and power generation so as to enhance tax revenue generation in Nigeria.