Between dollarization and exchange rate volatility: Nigeria's portfolio diversification option

This paper investigates the relationship between nominal exchange rate volatility and dollarization in Nigeria by applying Granger causality test for the period 1986 (1)–2003 (4). Previous theoretical and empirical studies on this issue provided conflicting results. The empirical results of Granger causality test support a bi-directional relationship. However, causality from dollarization to exchange rate volatility appears stronger and dominates. This suggests that policies that aim to reduce exchange rate volatility in Nigeria must include measures that specifically address the issue of dollarization. An important factor in this case is the supply of sufficient domestic currency assets that would permit portfolio diversification and capable of dousing negative expectations about future inflation in the country.