BUSINESS AND FINANCE JOURNAL

DIRECT TAX ASSESSMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN RIVERS STATE

ENEMUGHA JULIUS ENIEKEDOU (BSC., MSC.), PROF. G.N. OGBONNA, G.N. (PHD, FCA)

February 16, 2026

Citation

BUSINESS AND FINANCE JOURNAL , Vol. 17 (1) (2026) , pp. 63-78

Details

ISSN: 988-47876
Published: February 16, 2026
Status: Published

Abstract

This study examined the impact of direct tax assessment on economic growth in Rivers State. Ex-post facto research design was adopted because of the nature of the independent variable which has already occurred, and the researchers are examining its impact on the dependent variable – economic growth. The data used for this study was generated from historical economic operations, The study employed Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) because it is a statistical model used to analyse relationships between two variables. With the help of the E-view version, the data was analysed and the following findings emerged: the study's findings showed that PAYE and RGDP in Rivers State do not have a statistically significant association. This suggests that, based on our data, PAYE is not having a major impact on the region's infrastructure's economic production. Therefore, we recommend that improving tax laws is essential to promoting economic expansion. Additionally, increasing the effectiveness of PAYE collection would increase tax revenues, which could then be used to fund vital initiatives like infrastructure and healthcare. The study's examination of how taxes affect the development of healthcare and road infrastructure is one of its main contributions. The study demonstrates that although there is a connection between taxes and the advancement of healthcare, the impact on the development of road infrastructure is very noteworthy and requires additional governmental consideration. The study emphasizes the multifaceted function of taxes in promoting social and economic development by connecting tax revenues to these vital public services.

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