Author(s)

Anthony E. Akinlo, Babatunde Olanrewaju Owoyemi

Department of Economis, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

The paper examines the determinants of interest rate spreads in Nigeria using a panel of 12 commercial banks for the period 1986-2007. The results suggest that cash reserve requirements, average loans to average total deposits, remuneration to total assets and gross domestic product have positive effect on interest rate spreads. However, non-interest income to average total assets, treasury certificate and development stocks have negative relationship with interest rate spreads. In general, the findings that suggest a reduction in cash reserve ratio, high bank overhead costs amongst others will help to moderate the high interest rate spreads in Nigeria.

Interest Rate Spread; Determinants; Nigeria

A. Akinlo and B. Owoyemi, "The Determinants of Interest Rate Spreads in Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation," Modern Economy, Vol. 3 No. 7, 2012, pp. 837-845. doi: 10.4236/me.2012.37107.