Book of Abstracts

Accounting Technology Adoption and Integrated Financial Management Efficiency in Tertiary Healthcare Institutions

Risikat Adedeji — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Information and communication technology has changed how accounting and financial-management work is done in public organizations. Activities that once depended on handwritten records, physical movement of payment documents, repeated data entry and delayed reports are now supported by digital systems. Digital public financial management can improve the coordination of budgeting, treasury operations, accounting, reporting and expenditure control when institutional arrangements are adequate (Rivero del Paso et al., 2023). In healthcare, digital transformation also changes the flow of accounting information and the use of financial data for control and decision-making (Begkos et al., 2024).

Keywords Financial management Information communication technology

AI-Driven Auditing and Fraud Detection Effectiveness: Evidence from Federal Universities in North-Western Nigeria

Bashir Shehu — Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

Almustapha Bashir — Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

AI-Driven Auditing and Fraud Detection Effectiveness: Evidence from Federal Universities in North-Western Nigeria

Bashir Shehu
Department of Accounting, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

&

Almustapha Bashir
Department of Computer Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract
This study examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI)-driven auditing and fraud detection effectiveness in federal universities in North-Western Nigeria. Specifically, the study assesses the relationships between AI-driven auditing and fraud reduction, fraud detection accuracy, fraud loss reduction, and fraud detection speed. A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was adopted, using primary data collected through a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 92 internal auditors across seven federal universities using a total enumeration approach. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and four separate simple linear regression models at the 5% significance level. The findings indicate that AI-driven auditing has a positive and statistically significant relationship with fraud reduction (R² = .305, p < .001), fraud detection accuracy (R² = .513, p < .001), and fraud detection speed (R² = .317, p < .001). However, its relationship with fraud loss reduction is weak and statistically insignificant (R² = .007, p = .423). The findings suggest that AI-driven auditing can strengthen the identification, accuracy, and timeliness of fraud detection, but enhanced detection capability does not necessarily translate into reduced financial losses. The study recommends integrating AI-enabled auditing with timely investigation, fraud recovery, appropriate sanctions, control remediation, continuous professional training, and effective AI governance.

Keywords Key Words: Artificial Intelligence Internal Auditors Ai- Driven Fraud Detection Auditing

DETERMINANTS OF ACCOUNTING POLICY CHOICES OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Gabriel Ode, Phd — Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Elaigwu, Odogbo John, Phd — Nasarawa State University, Keffi Nigeria

Ismailia. O. Abdullahi Phd

Haruna Josiah, Phd — Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Abstract
This study will examine the combined effect of firm size, leverage and profitability on accounting policy choices of listed financial services firms in Nigeria. This study examines determinants of accounting policy choices of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study adopts ex-post facto research design using cross sectional data of ten years (2016-2025) to examine the effects of independent variables (firm size, leverage and profitability on the dependent variable accounting policy choice). The population of the study consist of all deposit money banks listed in Nigerian Exchange Group as at 31st December, 2025. In view of this, fourteen (14) deposit money banks listed on Nigerian Exchange Group were selected to represents the sample size for this study using purposive sampling technique based on the criterion that deposit money banks must be listed and disclosed all the data needed for the study in the annual reports. Secondary data was used and data were sourced from the annual reports and audited accounts of the sample financial services firms. The logistic regression estimation technique was used with the aid of EViews 10 to analyze the data. The study concludes that, firm size, leverage and profitability has positive effect on accounting policy choice of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. Thus, the study suggests that in order to measure a firm's performance effectively, management of the company should guarantee complete compliance with the accounting policies.

Keywords Keyword: Accounting Policies firm size Leverage profitability

EFFECT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING PRACTICES, INTERNAL CONTROL EFFECTIVENESS, AND AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARACTERISTICS ON FRAUD PREVENTION IN LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Suzie Namas — Ahmadu Bello University

Fraud remains a significant challenge to the integrity, stability and confidence of the Nigerian banking sector, particularly with the increasing use of electronic and digital banking channels. Despite regulatory requirements, internal control systems, technological measures and governance mechanisms, fraud continues to pose financial, operational and reputational risks to deposit money banks. This study examines the effect of forensic accounting practices, internal control effectiveness and audit committee characteristics on fraud prevention in listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigates the effects of forensic investigation, digital forensics, data analytics/Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs), control environment, control activities, monitoring activities, audit committee independence, audit committee financial expertise and audit committee size on fraud prevention. Fraud prevention is conceptualised as an organisational capability reflected in early fraud-risk identification, transaction monitoring, preventive control effectiveness and fraud-risk response. The study is anchored on Agency Theory and Fraud Triangle Theory. A positivist philosophy and deductive approach will be adopted, using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design. Primary data will be collected through structured questionnaires administered to qualified professionals in listed deposit money banks who possess relevant knowledge of fraud prevention, internal control, forensic accounting, risk management, compliance, audit and related functions. A stratified and purposive sampling procedure will be employed, with a proposed minimum target of 120 completed questionnaires. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study is expected to provide empirical evidence on the relative contribution of specific forensic accounting practices, internal control dimensions and audit committee characteristics to fraud prevention. The findings may assist bank management, forensic accountants, regulators and audit committees in strengthening effective mechanisms for preventing fraud in the Nigerian banking sector.

Keywords Forensic Accounting practices Internal Control Effectiveness Audit Commitee Characteristics

Effect of Forensic Accounting Techniques, Digital Infrastructure, Enforcement, Auditor Competence And Inter-Agency collaboration on Tax Fraud Detection in Nigeria

Salisu Abdullahi — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Dr. Nasiru Yunusa — Department Of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Isah Shittu — Department Of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Tax fraud remains a significant challenge to effective revenue mobilization and fiscal sustainability in Nigeria despite continuing reforms in tax administration. The increasing sophistication of fraudulent activities has created the need for tax authorities and financial crime enforcement agencies to strengthen professional competence, digital capabilities, legal enforcement, inter-agency collaboration and forensic accounting practices. This study examines the influence of auditor competence, digital infrastructure, legal enforcement, inter-agency collaboration and adoption of forensic accounting techniques on tax fraud detection in Nigeria. The study adopts a quantitative research approach and uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) as the principal analytical technique. The proposed study focuses on personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Kaduna State Office. For the preliminary analysis, 39 observations from the pilot exercise were analysed using SmartPLS 4. The preliminary structural model produced positive path coefficients for auditor competence (β = 0.224), digital infrastructure (β = 0.554), and legal enforcement (β = 0.260), while forensic accounting techniques (β = −0.021) and inter-agency collaboration (β = −0.158) produced negative path coefficients. The model produced an R² of 0.660, indicating that the five explanatory constructs jointly accounted for approximately 66.0% of the variance in tax fraud detection in the pilot model. However, several measurement indicators require refinement because a number of Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values were below the recommended threshold. The findings therefore provide preliminary evidence that digital infrastructure may be particularly important for tax fraud detection, while also indicating the need for stronger empirical investigation using the full study sample.

Keywords Tax fraud detection forensic accounting digital infrastructure auditor competence legal enforcement inter-agency collaboration PLS-SEM Nigeria.

EFFECT OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY COMPONENTS ON FINANCIAL REPORTING TIMELINESS AMONG LISTED NON-FINACIAL SERVICE FIRMS IN NIGERIA: THE MODERATING ROLE OF AUDIT COMMITTEE EXPERTISE

Kabiru Bako Mati — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Timely financial reporting essential for ensuring that financial information remains relevant and useful to investors, creditors, regulators and other stakeholders. Despite regulatory requirements, delays in financial reporting remain a concern among listed firms in Nigeria. Existing studies have largely focused on firm-specific, audit and corporate governance factors, while intellectual capital research has concentrated mainly on financial performance and firm value. Consequently, limited evidence exists on the effect of individual intellectual capital efficiency components on financial reporting timeliness and the moderating role of audit committee expertise. This study therefore examines the effects of Human Capital Efficiency (HCE), Structural Capital Efficiency (SCE) and Capital Employed Efficiency (CEE) on financial reporting timeliness and investigates whether Audit Committee Expertise (ACE) moderates these relationships among listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The study is anchored on the Resource-Based View. An ex post facto research design will be adopted using longitudinal panel data obtained from the audited annual reports and financial statements of selected non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. Financial reporting timeliness will be measured by the number of days between financial year-end and the auditor’s report date, while HCE, SCE and CEE will be measured using the Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient approach. ACE will be measured by the proportion of audit committee members possessing accounting, finance or related professional expertise. Firm size, profitability and leverage will serve as control variables. Panel regression analysis, including interaction terms, will be employed to test the direct and moderating effects. The study is expected to contribute to intellectual capital, corporate governance and financial reporting literature by providing evidence on whether intellectual capital efficiency enhances reporting timeliness and whether audit committee expertise strengthens or weakens these relationships among Nigerian listed non-financial firms.
Intellectual Capital; Human Capital Efficiency; Structural Capital Efficiency; Capital Employed Efficiency; Financial Reporting Timeliness; Audit Committee Expertise.

Keywords Intellectual Capital Human Capital Efficiency Structural Capital Efficiency Capital Employed Efficiency Financial Reporting Timeliness Audit Committee Expertise.

EFFECT OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING QUALITY ON ETHICAL ACCOUNTABILITY ON LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Gbenga Kolade — Enviable Group

ABSTRACT.
The study will provide empirical evidence on the relationship between sustainability reporting quality and ethical accountability among listed firms in Nigeria. It will contribute to the literature by examine the quality of Ethical accountability as a measurable corporate outcome of sustainability reporting. The study may develop an Ethical Accountability index based on disclosures such as Anti-corruption, whistle-blowing, ethical conduct, compliance and board accountability. The findings could assist regulators and standard-setters in strengthening sustainability and corporate Governance disclosure requirements. It could help boards and Managers understand how better sustainability reporting can enhance transparency, stakeholders confidence and ethical corporate behaviour.

Keywords Sustainability Reporting Quality Ethical Accountability Index

Firm Financial Conditions and Cash Holdings of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Adze Musa Akudu — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Ahmad Bello — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Muazu Saidu Badara — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Mike C. Duru — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Firm Financial Conditions and Cash Holdings of Listed Deposit Money Banks

Abstract
This study assessed the effect of firm financial conditions on cash holdings of deposit money banks quoted at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NG Group) for the period 2008-2024. Secondary data was obtained from a sample of 11 deposit money banks, selected based on the availability annual financial statements out of the population of 26. Secondary data was obtained through their annual financial reports of the banks. Firm financial conditions are proxied by financial distress and financial constraints, which are measured using the Altman’s Z-score and Whited - Wu model respectively. The data was analyzed using panel regression technique. The findings show that financial distress has significant and positive effect on cash holdings, while financial constraints also has significant but negative effect on the cash holdings of listed banks in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that management of the deposit money banks in Nigeria should strengthen their early warning and risk-monitoring systems to detect signs of financial distress as these would enable them maintain optimal cash resources as buffers as we as prevent excessive stockpiling of cash without compromising profitability. Management should also their capital adequacy, earnings retention and operational efficiency to reduce reliance on external financing. The central bank of Nigeria ensure adequate prudential policies and guidelines to minimize or prevent widespread of financial distress in the banking sector. The management Banks should enhance their capital adequacy, earnings retention and operational efficiency to reduce reliance on external financing.

Keywords Cash Holdings Cash Reserves Financial Conditions Financial Constraints Financial Distress

Fiscal Transparency, Public Accountability, and Voluntary Tax Compliance in Nigeria.

Abubakar Abdullahi — Ahmadu Bello University

Nafisa Abubakar — Department Of Accounting, Faculty Of Management Sciences. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

This study examines the effect of fiscal transparency and public accountability mechanisms on voluntary tax compliance in Nigeria, addressing the persistent paradox in which citizens withhold tax payments despite growing digital payment infrastructure, largely due to perceived corruption and
unaccounted public expenditure. Anchored on Fiscal Exchange Theory and Institutional Trust Theory, the study pursues three objectives. To examine the effect of public budget disclosure indexes on citizen voluntary tax filing rates, to evaluate the impact of independent audit compliance scores on voluntary tax compliance yields and to determine the combined effect of fiscal transparency and open reporting on curbing tax evasion. The study adopts a quantitative, ex post facto research design, relying entirely on secondary data extracted from Central Bank of Nigeria bulletins, National Bureau of Statistics finance metrics, and Office of the Auditor General for the Federation reports, spanning twenty quarters between 2018 and 2022. A multiple regression model is estimated, preceded by normality, multicollinearity, and stationarity diagnostics to ensure model validity. The study is expected to establish that budget disclosure indexes and audit compliance scores significantly influence voluntary tax compliance, providing empirical support for open ledger public financial reporting. Findings will inform policy recommendations for automated expenditure tracking dashboards to strengthen fiscal reciprocity and Nigeria's tax administration framework.

Keywords Fiscal transparency public accountability tax evasion tax morale voluntary tax compliance.

Moderating effect of board independence on the relationship between tax planning and financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria

Amos Abah — Ahmadu Bello University

Dr. Haruna Musa Muhammed — Ahmadu Bello University

ABSTRACT

The study examines the moderating effect of board independence on the relationship between tax planning and financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design and quantitative research was adopted. The population of the study comprised 55 listed manufacturing firms on Nigeria Exchange Group as at 31st December 2024 out of which 40 firms were purposefully selected through filtering. Secondary data was used and data were collected from financial report of the sampled firms for a period of ten (10) years (2015-2024). The techniques for data analysis include descriptive statistic, correlation and regression and the statistical software employed was STATA 13 Version. The result revealed that effective tax rate has positive and insignificant effect, capital intensity, book-tax difference, board independence has positive and significant effect on financial performance; while tax saving and thin capitalization has negative and insignificant effect on financial performance. The finding revealed that board independence moderate the relationship between capital intensity, book-tax difference and financial performance while board independence does not moderate the relationship between effective tax rate, tax savings, thin capitalization and financial performance. The study concluded that board independence moderate the relationship between capital intensity, book-tax difference and financial performance while board independence does not moderate the relationship between effective tax rate, tax savings, thin capitalization and financial performance. The study recommends that manufacturing firms should optimize their tax planning in order to improve financial performance.Keywords: Financial Performance, Tax Planning, Board Independence, Firm Size, Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria.

Keywords Tax planning financial performance board independence firm size listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria

MODERATING ROLE OF CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL RISK AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Abdulrauf Muhammad Bashir — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

The major areas of write up for the intended research is Banking Sector, comprising all listed deposit money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria, for the period of 10 years covering (2016 to 2025), the period was choose base on the fact that, the banking sector experienced a various reforms and events within the period such as non-performing loan bench mark, increase in the activities of shadow banking, new recapitalization within the industry, change in the capital structure and income structure of the banks among others with consideration of the point that, the banking uphold the national economy, and therefore, the failure of the sector might be regarded as failure of economy entirely, particularly the banks tired with D-SIBS (Domestic Systematically Important Banks) namely: Access bank, Ecobank, First Bank, Gtbank and Zenith bank as these banks contributed over 65% of Nigerian economy growth, (NDIC, 2025). Therefore, in line with the above, preventing their failures is preventing the national economy. The research paradigm will be positivism in approach, because the study is quantitative in nature while method of data collection will be secondary source prominently from audited financial report and accounts.

Keywords FINANCIAL RISK FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO FIRM SIZE DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS

MODERATING ROLE OF DIVIDEND POLICY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CEO COMPENSATION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Usman Musa Usman — A.b.u Zaria

1. Introduction
1.1 Current Issues
Executive compensation remains a major corporate governance issue because the level and structure of remuneration paid to chief executive officers (CEOs) can either align managerial incentives with shareholder interests or create opportunities for managerial opportunism. Financial performance is therefore closely connected to the way firms design, monitor and disclose CEO remuneration. The literature recognises both accounting-based and market-based measures of performance, with Return on Assets (ROA) providing an accounting-based indication of how efficiently management converts the firm's asset base into earnings (Nworie & Ofoje, 2022; Mohammed et al., 2023). The attached study adopts ROA because it provides a relatively stable and operationally attributable measure of performance.
The issue is particularly important in Nigeria's financial services sector because Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and insurance firms play central roles in financial intermediation, savings mobilisation, risk transfer and private-sector financing. The sector therefore has important implications for investment, economic growth and financial stability. At the same time, executive remuneration has attracted governance concerns where CEO pay increases without a corresponding improvement in corporate outcomes. The study identifies this as the broader 'pay-without-performance' concern associated with managerial power and weak alignment between executives and shareholders (Bebchuk & Fried, 2004).
The institutional environment has also changed substantially during the study period. The period 2016–2025 captures the 2016–2017 recession and naira pressures, the 2018 governance reforms, the COVID-19 disruption of 2020–2021, post-pandemic recovery, the 2023 exchange-rate reforms and the monetary-policy tightening cycle of 2024–2025. These developments provide an important contemporary setting for evaluating whether CEO compensation remains associated with performance under changing economic and regulatory conditions. The attached study specifically notes that older studies ending before the recent regulatory and macroeconomic changes may have limited relevance to the current environment.
1.2 Problem Statement
The central problem is that the theoretical and empirical relationship between CEO compensation and financial performance remains inconclusive. Agency Theory predicts that properly designed compensation can align managers with shareholders, while Managerial Power Theory suggests that powerful CEOs may influence boards and obtain compensation that is not commensurate with performance. Pay-for-Performance Theory, in contrast, expects stronger performance-contingent remuneration to motivate superior outcomes. These competing explanations make it necessary to distinguish between different components of CEO compensation rather than treating remuneration as a single aggregate amount.
Existing Nigerian evidence is also fragmented. Some studies report positive effects of CEO remuneration on performance, while others report negative, insignificant or mixed effects. The reviewed literature includes studies of DMBs, insurance firms, manufacturing firms and other listed companies, but many are limited by short study periods, single sectors, composite measures of CEO compensation, or the use of Tobin's Q and other market-based indicators. The attached review identifies these inconsistencies and period limitations as important empirical gaps.
A further gap concerns the conditional nature of the compensation-performance relationship. Prior Nigerian studies have examined CEO ownership, board characteristics and governance measures as conditioning variables, but the attached study argues that dividend policy has not been formally tested as a moderator across CEO salary, bonus and commission simultaneously. The proposed study therefore asks whether dividend policy changes the strength or direction of the relationship between distinct CEO compensation components and financial performance.

Moderating Role of financial leverage on the Association lbetween board characteristics and financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria

Umar Abdulsalam Buba — Abu Zaria

ABSTRACT
The financial performance of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) is important to the stability of the Nigerian financial system and the broader economy. This study therefore seeks to examine the moderating role of financial leverage in the association between board characteristics and financial performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will examine the effects of board size, board independence, board meeting frequency and financial leverage on financial performance and determine whether financial leverage strengthens or weakens the relationships between the selected board characteristics and financial performance. The study is anchored on Agency Theory, which explains the role of board mechanisms in monitoring management and mitigating agency conflicts and provides a basis for examining the conditional influence of financial leverage. An ex post facto research design will be adopted using longitudinal panel data obtained primarily from the audited annual reports and financial statements of selected Nigerian DMBs. The study will cover the period 2016–2025, subject to final confirmation and harmonization of the proposal's scope. Financial performance will be measured by Return on Assets (ROA), board size by the total number of directors, board independence by the proportion of independent non-executive directors to total board members, board meeting frequency by the number of formal meetings held annually, and financial leverage by the debt-to-equity ratio. Bank size and bank age will serve as control variables. Panel regression techniques, including fixed-effects and random-effects models, Hausman specification testing and relevant diagnostic tests, will be employed. Moderation will be examined through interaction terms between financial leverage and each board characteristic. The study is expected to contribute empirical evidence on the conditional relationship between corporate governance, financial structure and financial performance in the Nigerian banking sector.

Keywords Keywords Board Characteristics Financial Leverage Financial Performance Deposit Money Banks Agency Theory

Moderating role of fiscal exchange on public governance quality and voluntary tax compliance of the informal sector operators in Kaduna state, Nigeria

Sagir Rabiu — Department Of Accounting And Finance, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

government at various level face the challenge of non-tax compliance, this especially
countries. Salam (2019), Augustine and Enyi (2021),and Otusanya et al, (2019)
corruption and effectiveness of government as proxies of institutional quality on tax
39.6million business enterprises in Nigeria. Out of which microenterprises accounted
for over 90% of the total. However, the ratio of businesses that have registered with
citizens (World Bank, 2005). Institutional quality has many dimensions, such as
Ayuba (2021) asserted that issue of tax compliance remainsa difficult factor to
development. However, many operators within the sector are evading payment of tax
among the micro enterprises who are operating within an informal sector.
which led poor tax revenue generation in many statesacross the country. Data from
effectiveness of government on tax compliance which are all institutional quality
indicators. This requires more studies to uncover the connection between tax
attainment through efficient and effective resources management to the satisfaction of
negligeable of 4 to 5percent region in most of the states across northwest Nigeria. This
signifies that substantial number of businesses especially among microenterprises are
ascertain its effect on tax compliance behaviour among tax payer with a view to proffer
compliance andthe factors of institutional quality especially in Northwest, Nigeria to
generation. Thus, the motivation of the study is to examine the effect of prevention of
compliance behavior of the micro enterprises in Northwest region Nigeria.
Despite the significant role of microenterprises to national and state
is simply refers to process where leaders exercise their ability best to ensure goal
accertain its effect on taxpayers' compliance to tax provision laws. This especially at a
prevention of corruption, effectiveness of government, accountability and so on.
National Bureau of Statistic revealed that as at December 2021, there were over

THE IMPACT OF FUEL DEREGULATION AND GOVERNMENT FUNDING REALLOCATION ON FEDERAL HOSPITAL IN KADUNA STATE.

Ahmed Aliyu Ahmed — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

The choice of this topic "the impact of fuel deregulation and government funding reallocation on federal hospital was a result of the current debates around the success or not of the policy.

As 2027 election approach, and campaign launch, the main opposition leader Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the ADC hint on the possible reimplantation of fuel subsidy policy.

For decade, the government principal instrument for addressing economic volatility we're a fuel subsidy framework. The subsidy aim to create artificial low prices could have been allocated to essential infrastructure.

In may 2023, the president at his inaugural announced an end to the regime. This reform, promptly received support from international financial institutios as essential macroeconomics stabilizer while locally there is mixed reaction with some proponent asking the haste in implementation without proper planning for shocks.

Subsidy removal as a programme enjoyed relative succes and limited social stress which was deemed a failure by the opposition leader Alhaji Atiku Abubakar citing mismanagement in saving.

These study intend to study removal and possible impact on cashflow of federal hospital as a social aspect of the economy.

BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND CARBON EMISSION DISCLOSURE: EVIDENCE FROM LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Abdulkadir Kayode Ishola — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Mustapha Muhammad Bagudo — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Idris Ahmed Aliyu — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

The increasing global concern over climate change has heightened demands for business transparency on greenhouse gas emissions. The disclosure of carbon emissions has become increasingly important, but research on the governance elements that influence such disclosure is still scarce in emerging economies, especially in Nigeria. This study explores the effect of board characteristics on the level of carbon emission disclosure of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Specifically, this study examines the effect of board independence, board gender diversity, board nationality, board commitment, and sustainability/ environmental committee on carbon emission disclosure practices. Leveraging Agency Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Resource Dependence Theory to underpin the study. The study adopts an ex-post facto research design and utilizes a balanced panel dataset of 45 manufacturing companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) from 2015 to 2024. Data were collected from the annual and sustainability reports of the sampled firms. The data were analysed using Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) regression. Findings show that board gender diversity, board nationality, and the existence of sustainability/environmental committees have considerable favourable effects on carbon emission disclosure. The findings give empirical support for Stakeholder Theory and Resource Dependence Theory. The report recommends that manufacturing companies should increase the representation of females and foreigners on corporate boards, adopt ISO 14001 environmental management systems more widely, and introduce mandatory carbon emission disclosure requirements in line with evolving global sustainability reporting standards.

Keywords Board Characteristics Carbon Emission Disclosure Climate Change Manufacturing Firms Nigeria

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Initiatives and Commuter Accessibility in Developing Cities: A Case Study of Kaduna State

Adamu Abbas — Kaduna Polytechnic

Usman Yakubu Aminu Ph.d. — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Bello Sani Sambo Ph.d. — Kaduna Polytechnic

Urban transportation systems play a critical role in promoting economic productivity, social inclusion, and effective public service delivery in developing economies. Following the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria, transportation costs increased significantly, thereby creating mobility challenges for civil servants, students, and low-income earners who depend heavily on public transport services. In response to these challenges, the government of Kaduna State introduced a subsidized Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bus transport initiative under the Kaduna State Subsidized Scheme (KSTS) to improve urban mobility and reduce transportation costs. This study examines the effectiveness of the CNG bus transport system in enhancing commuter accessibility and public service delivery within selected commuter corridors including Rigachikun–Rido, Refinery–Rigachikun, and Tudun Wada–Rigachikun routes. The study adopted a mixed-method research design combining qualitative and descriptive survey approaches. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and field observations from civil servants, students, market commuters, and transport officials across selected wards. Findings revealed that the CNG bus initiative significantly improved commuter accessibility and reduced transportation costs for residents. Government reports indicated that over 1.4 million passengers utilized the buses within five months of operation, resulting in approximately ₦1.39 billion in transport savings for commuters. However, operational challenges including irregular schedules, inadequate fleet size, overcrowding, and long waiting times reduced the overall effectiveness of the transport system. The study concludes that while the CNG transport initiative has improved affordability and commuter mobility, operational efficiency remains essential for sustainable urban transport service delivery. The study recommends increased fleet capacity, digital timetable systems, improved maintenance management, and expansion of transport routes across additional urban communities.

Keywords Public transport policy commuter accessibility urban mobility CNG buses service delivery urban governance.

Driving Eco-Innovation through Intangibles: Intellectual Capital Efficiency and Green Investment in Nigerian Logistics Companies

Dikko Bello — Alqalam University Katsina

Abdulkadir Madawaki — Alqalam University, Katsina

Muhammad Inuwa Lawal — Alqalam University, Katsina

Purpose: This paper investigates the empirical relationship between intellectual capital efficiency components and physical corporate green capital investments within listed logistics and freight transport companies in Nigeria. Grounded in the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV), the study examines whether intangible knowledge capabilities act evenly or generate resource trade-offs when driving direct monetary outlays into green assets.
Design/methodology/approach: The study operationalizes Pulic’s Value Added Intellectual Coefficient framework. Model specification tests establish the Fixed Effects (FE) panel estimator as the optimal specification, supplemented by panel Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) under an AR(1) autocorrelation for robustness.
Findings: The empirical estimations reveal an unequal impact of intellectual capital mechanisms on corporate green investment. Human Capital Efficiency exerts a robust positive effect. Conversely, Structural Capital Efficiency exhibits a statistically significant negative relationship. Capital Employed Efficiency (CEE) displays no statistically significant influence. Firm Size (f_size) significantly increases green capital allocation.
Research limitations/implications: The sample is restricted to listed logistics and transport firms in Nigeria.
Practical implications: The findings demonstrate that expanding overhead can constrain green fleet modernization. To decarbonize fleets, logistics firms must cut overhead.
Originality/value: This study provides one of the first balance sheet grounded econometric evaluations of how intellectual capital parts drive green CapEx.

Keywords Intellectual Capital Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) Human Capital Efficiency Structural Capital Corporate Green Investment Natural Resource-Based View Logistics

Effect of Debt Financing on Environmental Sustainability Disclosure Quality of Listed Non-Financial Firms in Nigeria.

Salisu Muhammad Nurudeen — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Practical Problems: In recent years, environmental sustainability has transitioned from a voluntary corporate social responsibility initiative to a critical business imperative driven by global climate change concerns and stakeholder pressures. For non-financial firms in Nigeria (such as manufacturing, industrial goods, and consumer goods sectors), operations often have a direct and significant environmental footprint. However, these firms frequently operate in a challenging economic environment characterized by high-interest rates and restricted access to equity, leading to a heavy reliance on debt financing. A practical dilemma arises: highly levered firms may prioritize debt servicing over environmental sustainability initiatives, leading to poor environmental performance and low-quality sustainability disclosures. Conversely, creditors may demand higher transparency and quality environmental disclosures to assess risk, pressuring firms to improve reporting.

Theoretical Issues: Theoretically, there is a lack of consensus on the relationship between debt financing and environmental disclosure. Stakeholder Theory and Legitimacy Theory suggest a positive relationship, positing that highly levered firms will increase high-quality environmental disclosures to manage the expectations of creditors and legitimize their operations in society. Conversely, the Trade-Off Theory suggests a negative relationship, arguing that firms burdened with debt may face financial constraints, forcing them to cut back on discretionary expenditures like high-quality environmental reporting to maintain liquidity and service debt obligations. This theoretical tension makes the investigation highly relevant.

Keywords Debt Financing Environmental Disclosure Quality Non-financial Firms

Effect of Risk Management Committee Attributes on IFRS S2 Disclosure of Listed Climate-Sensitive Non-financial Firms in Nigeria By SANI DANLAMI P25BSAC9027 A Research Title Submitted to the Department of Accounting Faculty of Management Sciences

Sani D Khalid — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

ABSTRACT
This study will examine how Risk Management Committee (RMC) attributes affect IFRS S2 disclosure among listed climate-sensitive non-financial firms in Nigeria. IFRS S2 was issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board in June 2023. In Nigeria, the Financial Reporting Council’s 2024 Roadmap makes IFRS S2 reporting voluntary from 2024 to 2027 and mandatory for large public-interest entities from 2028. Despite this, climate disclosure remains low due to weak board commitment and limited expertise. Existing studies show RMCs can improve risk reporting, but evidence on which RMC attributes drive IFRS S2 disclosure in Nigeria is limited.
Based on Agency, Resource Dependence, Institutional, and Legitimacy Theories, the study will examine RMC size, independence, financial expertise, meeting frequency, and gender diversity. Using an ex post facto longitudinal design, it will cover all listed oil and gas, cement, agriculture, and power firms on the Nigerian Exchange as of 31 December 2026. Data will be collected from annual and sustainability reports for 2021 to 2026. IFRS S2 disclosure will be measured with an index based on the standard’s four pillars: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics and Targets. RMC data will be hand collected. Analysis will use descriptive statistics, correlation, and panel regression including Pooled OLS, Fixed Effects, and Random Effects. The Hausman test will select the appropriate model.
The study addresses four gaps: limited Nigerian evidence, limited focus on IFRS S2, inconsistent findings on RMC attributes, and use of RMC existence instead of multiple attributes.
The findings will provide the first Nigerian evidence on this relationship and inform academics, FRCN, NGX, firms, and investors. The study will also support policy under the FRC 2024 Roadmap to strengthen governance and climate accountability.

Keywords Risk Management Committee IFRS S2 Climate Disclosure Corporate Governance Nigeria Non-financial firms

ESG DISCLOSURE QUALITY AND FIRM VALUE THE MODERATING ROLE OF INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP AMONG LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Isah Sulaiman — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Background to the Study
Firm value is the overall economic worth of a firm as assumed by investors and other stakeholders; it indicates the level market assessment of firms’ performance, future growth and expansion, ability to generate sustainable growth within a given risk. In the side of listed deposit money banks, firm value is key because banks operates in highly regulated and in an environment where the sensitivity of information is high, where the confidence of investors, financial stability, effective risk management is at a high site of influencing the market valuation. A bank with sound value is perceived by investors a having better prospect of future cash flows and ability to create wealth for shareholders. Therefore, firm value is considered as an important signal of the effectiveness of managerial of the managerial decisions and the ability of banks to transform their available resources into sustainable shareholders wealth. In capital market, measures such as Tobin’s Q, Market Capitalization, Price to book value, are commonly used in local and international researches to measure firm value, this is because these measures captures investors’ expectations better than what is obtainable in the historical accounting information.
For listed deposit money banks (DMB) in Nigeria and elsewhere, ensuring firm value is very vital given the fact that the competitive nature of the banking industry and the role valuation play on the economic condition, regulatory development, and corporate governance practices and how it influences investors’ perception. The value attached to banks may influenced not only its financial performance but also the credibility and the quality of information its provide to the market concerning the environment, social and governance.

Keywords Environmental Social Governance

Impact of Climate-Transition Risk Disclosure on Upstream Oil and Gas Asset Valuation: Evidence from Listed Oil and Gas Firms in Nigeria

Nura Usman — Ahamadu Bello University Zaria

The global transition towards a low-carbon economy presents significant challenges for the valuation and long-term viability of upstream oil and gas assets, particularly in Nigeria, where the petroleum sector remains important to government revenue, foreign exchange earnings and investment. The major problem is that investors may have difficulty assessing how changing climate policies, carbon-related costs, technological developments, shifts in fossil-fuel demand, transition strategies and greenhouse-gas reduction commitments could affect the future cash flows and economic value of upstream assets. Although listed oil and gas firms increasingly provide environmental and sustainability information, such disclosures may not sufficiently communicate the specific transition risks embedded in their assets. Existing studies have largely focused on broad environmental, sustainability and carbon disclosures, with limited empirical attention to specific climate-transition risk disclosure dimensions and upstream asset valuation in Nigeria. The study therefore examines the impact of climate-transition risk disclosure on the valuation of upstream oil and gas assets of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. Specifically, it investigates the effects of regulatory and policy transition risk disclosure, carbon pricing risk disclosure, technology transition risk disclosure, market and demand transition risk disclosure, energy-transition strategy disclosure, and greenhouse-gas-emission reduction targets disclosure on upstream asset valuation. The study is anchored primarily on Signalling Theory, complemented by Agency Theory and Legitimacy Theory. An ex post facto research design and panel-data methodology will be employed using secondary data obtained from annual reports, sustainability and climate-related reports, audited financial statements, market disclosures, and reserve and production information of listed oil and gas firms with upstream operations. The study covers the period 2015–2024. Climate-transition risk disclosure will be measured through six separate disclosure indices using content analysis, while upstream asset valuation will be proxied by Tobin's Q. Firm size, leverage and reserve life will serve as control variables. The study is expected to provide evidence on the extent to which specific climate-transition risk disclosures are associated with upstream asset valuation and offer useful implications for corporate managers, investors, analysts and regulators seeking to improve climate-related disclosure practices in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

Keywords Climate transition risk Disclosure Asset valuation Oil and gas Nigeria.

Mediating effect of firm value on board Dynamics and climate change Reporting of Early adopters companies in Nigeria

Abdullahi Yusuf — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

In today’s global business terrain, climate change reporting (CCR) reporting is a corporate responsibility that seeks to enlighten interested parties concerning an organization's obligations and sustainability development while also evaluating the firms’ present status in respect of its economic, environmental, and social obligations (Biktimirov & Afego, 2022). With a CCR report, a firm’s long-range CCR profile may be evaluated and related to other corporate entities, and confirm the extent to which it is related to expectations for sustainable development (Adel, 2023). Sustainable development is one of the most significant issues that societies are now facing. In the United Kingdom and other countries across the globe, investors and key interested parties are now expecting corporate disclosure to portray the true picture of the business entity. Stakeholders require data to assess the complete CCR status of an entity. They require more vital information than only the companies’ previous economic fortune in terms of the current and prospective. The societal awareness of ethical business operations has grown throughout time due to environmental damages, and unethical corporate activities (Adel, 2023). The fact that corporate financial reports do not inform interested parties about the social and environmental repercussions of business activities, they are no longer sufficient and thus, needs to be effectively captured (Aboalfathi et al., 2021).
In Nigeria as an emerging economy, corporate climate change reporting remains relatively new, fragmented, and largely unregulated outside of specific industry mandates such as in the oil and gas or banking sectors. While some listed firms have begun publishing sustainability or integrated reports, the level of readiness and quality of such reports vary significantly. Among non-financial services firms, which include industrial, consumer goods, construction, and agriculture sectors, the practice of climate change reporting has been sporadic and inconsistent, despite their significant environmental and social impact.

Keywords Climate change Reporting Board Dynamics Firm Value

Moderating role of Institutional ownership on the relationship between firm specific attributes and environmental disclosure quality of Listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria

Afolayan Muyiwa — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

The increasing environmental consequences of corporate activities and growing stakeholder demand for corporate accountability have heightened the importance of environmental disclosure, particularly among manufacturing firms whose operations involve substantial consumption of natural resources and generation of wastes and emissions. Despite these developments, environmental disclosure among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria remains relatively limited, and the quality of information disclosed is often less examined than the extent of disclosure. Existing empirical studies have also reported inconsistent findings regarding the influence of firm-specific attributes on environmental disclosure quality. This study therefore proposes to examine the moderating role of institutional ownership in the relationship between firm-specific attributes and environmental disclosure quality of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to determine the effects of firm size, profitability, financial leverage and firm age on environmental disclosure quality and to establish whether institutional ownership significantly moderates these relationships. The study will be anchored on agency theory. An ex-post facto research design and quantitative panel-data approach will be adopted. Secondary data will be obtained through content analysis of audited annual reports and sustainability/ESG reports of listed manufacturing firms on the Nigerian Exchange Group for the period 2015–2024. Environmental disclosure quality will be measured using a weighted environmental disclosure index based on relevant Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) environmental indicators, while firm size, profitability, leverage and firm age will be measured using total assets, return on assets, debt-to-total-assets ratio and years since incorporation, respectively. Institutional ownership will be measured as the proportion of shares held by institutional investors to total shares outstanding. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multicollinearity diagnostics, panel-data specification tests and moderated panel regression will be employed for data analysis.

Keywords Environmental disclosure firm-specific attributes institutional ownership profitability Leverage

The Moderating Effect of Net Zero Transition on the Relationship between Firm Characteristics and Profitability of the Listed Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria

Umar Gambo — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

1 Background to the Study
Firm characteristics (also referred to as firm attributes) are the measurable internal features of a firm which distinguish it from others. These characteristics influence how a firm operates, makes strategic decisions, and performs within its industry and economic environment. This distinguishing nature of them has some advantages to the firm which include; influencing financial performance and valuation of firms, affecting strategic decisions such as investment, financing, and dividend policies, determining risk exposure and resilience to market shocks, helping policymakers and investors comparism and evaluating firms performance across industries.

Keywords Net Zero Firm characteristics

Board Attributes and Tax Avoidance among Listed Non-Financial Service Firms in Nigeria: The Moderating Role of Institutional Ownership

Bilkisu Ahmed — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Abstract
This study examines the effect of board attributes on tax avoidance among listed non-financial service firms in Nigeria, with institutional ownership serving as a moderating variable. The study focuses on five dimensions of board attributes, namely board size, board independence, board meetings, board gender diversity and board financial expertise. The study is motivated by the inconclusive empirical evidence on the relationship between board attributes and tax avoidance, as previous studies have reported positive, negative and insignificant relationships. In addition, limited attention has been given to whether institutional ownership moderates the relationship between individual board attributes and tax avoidance, particularly among listed non-financial service firms in Nigeria. The study is anchored on Agency Theory, which explains the monitoring role of the board of directors and institutional investors in influencing managerial decisions. A correlational research design will be adopted, using secondary data obtained from the annual reports and financial statements of listed non-financial service firms in Nigeria over the period 2016 to 2025. The initial population comprises 65 firms, from which nine firms with incomplete data will be excluded, resulting in a final sample of 56 firms selected through a filtering process and studied using a census approach. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, multicollinearity diagnostics and panel regression analysis will be employed to analyse the data. The moderating effect of institutional ownership will be examined through interaction terms between institutional ownership and each of the five board attributes. The study is expected to contribute to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the individual and interactive effects of board attributes and institutional ownership on tax avoidance within the Nigerian non-financial service sector. The findings are also expected to provide useful insights for regulatory bodies, corporate boards, investors, tax authorities and researchers.

Keywords Board attributes tax avoidance institutional ownership corporate governance listed non-financial service firms Nigeria.

BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND FRAUD DETECTION IN NIGERIAN DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS (2012–2023)

Bako Tokpobeya Miracle — Taraba State Polytechnic Suntai

Mohammed Habibu Sabari — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Mustapha Mohammed Bagudo

Fraud remains one of the most persistent and costly challenges confronting deposit money banks in Nigeria despite ongoing corporate governance reforms introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (2018). Anchored on Agency Theory and Resource Dependence Theory, this study examined the effect of board gender diversity, board nationality diversity, board independence, board financial expertise, and board size on fraud detection among six deposit money banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd (NGX) that complied with the mandatory disclosure of fraud cases under Section 5.1.2(L) of the CBN Code of Corporate Governance, over the period 2012–2023. A correlational research design was adopted, and panel data analysis using Robust Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression showed that board gender diversity, board independence, and board size had positive and significant effects on fraud detection, board nationality diversity had a significant negative effect, while board financial expertise had a negative but insignificant effect. The study contributes a twelve-year panel that uses a direct fraud-case measure rather than a probabilistic proxy such as the Beneish M-Score, and jointly applies Agency Theory and Resource Dependence Theory to fraud detection in an emerging-market banking context, including a directionally negative, though not robustly significant, association between board nationality diversity and fraud detection. Consistent with the robust effects found for gender diversity and board size, the study recommends that the CBN and FRC strengthen policies on gender representation, and that banks pair director financial expertise with structured fraud-awareness training given the weak, insignificant effect of expertise on its own.

Keywords Board Characteristics Fraud Detection Board Independence Board Gender Diversity Board Financial Expertise Board Nationality Diversity

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED COMPANIES IN NIGERIAN

Hafsat Hayatuddeen — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Aliyu Abdullahi — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

This study examines the relationship between corporate governance and sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies, with particular emphasis on the quality, credibility, and comprehensiveness of sustainability disclosures. Although Nigeria has introduced corporate governance reforms and sustainability reporting frameworks, implementation remains inconsistent due to weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate standardization, institutional weaknesses, and limited stakeholder pressure. The study investigates how corporate governance mechanisms, including board size, board independence, gender diversity, audit committee independence, and CEO duality, influence sustainability reporting quality. It is anchored on Agency Theory, Stakeholder Theory, Legitimacy Theory and Institutional Theory, which collectively provide explanations of governance, stakeholder expectations, legitimacy, and institutional pressures influencing corporate disclosure. The study proposes the use of sustainability reporting quality measures, including ESG indices, GRI-based disclosure scores, and content analysis. Data are to be obtained from annual and sustainability reports of listed firms, alongside relevant regulatory and institutional databases. Panel data regression using fixed- and random-effects models, supported by the Hausman test and diagnostic tests, is proposed for analysis. The study contributes to knowledge by shifting attention from the quantity of sustainability disclosures to their quality and by integrating corporate governance, sustainability reporting standards, and institutional factors. Its findings are expected to support stronger regulatory
enforcement, mandatory sustainability reporting, improved corporate governance codes, and alignment with IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.

Keywords Corporate Governance Sustainability Reporting Quality ESG Disclosure Institutional Factors Nigerian Companies.

Effect of Board Attributes on Tax Avoidance of Listed Multinational Companies in Nigeria.

Shaibu Abdul — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Tax is one of the most dependable sources of revenue available to governments all over the world. It is an important source of government revenue. Governments requires tax revenue to augment its public expenditure as well as in ensuring sufficient provisions of public amenities to the society. Most developed nations (such as United Kingdom) rely on taxation as a major source of government revenue and appear to have fared better, because taxes provide a more stable and predictable flow of income in meeting governments’ expenditure needs (Ofoegbu & Akwu, 2016). Adequate funding is required for government to effectively and efficiently carry out its primary responsibility of providing security, social amenities and welfare for its citizens. Its unfortunate that Government expenditures especially in developing countries like Nigeria continue to increase every year due to the growing population of its citizens and harnessing non oil revenue like tax has been difficult due to loopholes available in the tax law which has created a vacuum for tax payers to exploit.

Keywords Tax Avoidance Board Attributes Multinational Companies

EFFECT OF BOARD REMUNERATION COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA: A MODERATING ROLE OF AUDIT COMMITTEE

Cornelius Dyeri — Abu

Mustapha Muhammad Bagudo — Abu

Dr. Nasiru Yunusa

ABSTRACT
This study examined the effect of Board Remuneration Committee characteristics on the financial performance of listed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria, with Audit Committee Effectiveness serving as a moderating variable. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of Board Remuneration Committee Gender Diversity, Board Remuneration Committee Professional Expertise, and Board Remuneration Committee Meeting Frequency on financial performance measured by Return on Assets (ROA). The study adopted an ex post facto research design and employed a balanced panel dataset comprising ten (10) listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria over the period 2019–2025, resulting in seventy (70) firm-year observations. Secondary data were extracted from the audited annual reports and corporate governance disclosures of the sampled banks. The results revealed that Board Remuneration Committee Gender Diversity has a negative and significant effect on financial performance. Similarly, Board Remuneration Committee Professional Expertise exerts a positive and highly significant effect on financial performance, while Board Remuneration Committee Meeting Frequency also has a positive and significant effect. The moderated regression analysis further demonstrated that Audit Committee significantly strengthens the relationship between board remuneration committee gender diversity, board remuneration committee financial expertise and financial performance. While, audit committee do not moderate the relationship between frequency of meetings and financial performance. The study concludes that well-structured, professionally competent, and active Board Remuneration Committees, supported by effective Audit Committees, contribute significantly to the financial performance of listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. The study recommends that boards of listed banks should strengthen the composition of remuneration committees by promoting appointing members with relevant professional expertise, encouraging regular committee meetings, and enhancing audit committee effectiveness through greater independence, competence, and oversight. These measures will improve corporate governance practices and promote sustainable financial performance within the Nigerian banking sector.

Keywords Keywords: Board Remuneration Committee Gender Diversity Professional Expertise Meeting Frequency Audit Committee Effectiveness Financial Performance Return on Assets Corporate Governance Deposit Money Banks Nigeria.

Managerial Ownership, Institutional Ownership, and Firm Value: Evidence from Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

Bilal Omeiza Samson — Ibrahim Badamisi Babaginda University Lapai

This study investigates the effects of managerial ownership and institutional ownership on firm value in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. Drawing on agency theory, the study examines how internal and external ownership mechanisms influence firm valuation in an emerging market context characterized by weak governance enforcement. Using balanced panel data from 2016 to 2025 and applying a fixed effects estimation technique, firm value is proxied by Tobin’s Q. The empirical results indicate that both managerial ownership and institutional ownership exert statistically insignificant effects on firm value. These findings suggest that ownership structure alone is insufficient to enhance firm valuation in environments with institutional inefficiencies, weak monitoring mechanisms, and limited investor activism. The study contributes to the corporate governance literature by providing context-specific evidence from a developing economy and by demonstrating the conditional effectiveness of ownership structures. The findings further underscore the importance of complementary governance mechanisms. Policy implications highlight the need to strengthen regulatory enforcement and promote active institutional monitoring.

Keywords Managerial ownership Institutional ownership Firm value Corporate governance Tobin’s Q Emerging markets Nigeria

MODERATING EFFECT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE INDEPENDENCE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

Oyeyemi Lukman Adesina — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Tesleem Adeyemi — Department Of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Abdulrahman Abubakar — Department Of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of corporate ownership structures on the financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria, and evaluated the moderating role of audit committee independence. Grounded in Agency (Type I and Type II) and Stakeholder theories, the study adopted an ex-post facto research design utilizing secondary data extracted from the published annual reports of 47 sampled manufacturing firms out of a total population of 58 firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. The balanced panel dataset yielded 282 firm-year observations covering the six-year period from 2019 to 2024. Ownership structure was operationalized via managerial ownership, board ownership, and ownership concentration, while financial performance was proxied by Return on Assets (ROA), utilizing financial leverage as the control variable .Pre-estimation and diagnostic checks confirmed model stability (Mean VIF = 5.17). The panel Fixed-Effects regression results revealed that ownership concentration and board ownership exert a statistically significant negative effect on financial performance, empirically confirming the presence of severe Type II principal-principal conflicts and the expropriation of minority wealth in the sector. Conversely, managerial ownership demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship with performance, supporting the classical value-alignment hypothesis. Crucially, the moderation analysis established that audit committee independence exerts a highly significant positive interaction effect, successfully neutralizing the negative impacts of Managerial Ownership and Board Ownership. Consequently, it is recommended that regulators enforce stricter independence mandates on corporate audit committees to protect minority interests. A limitation of this study is its structural focus on the manufacturing sector; future research should expand this moderated framework to unlisted firms.

Keywords Ownership Structure Financial Performance Audit Committee Independence Type II Agency Conflict Nigeria Manufacturing Firms

MODERATING EFFECT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERTISE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Mary Joseph — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Abstract

1. Background of the Study
Corporate governance has become an important issue in the Nigerian banking sector due to its role in promoting accountability, transparency, and improved financial performance. Board characteristics and audit committee financial expertise are key governance mechanisms that influence the effectiveness of board oversight and the overall performance of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

2. Statement of the Problem
Despite improvements in corporate governance practices, many Deposits Money Banks in Nigeria continue to experience challenges in achieving sustainable financial performance. It remains unclear whether audit committee financial expertise strengthens the relationship between board characteristics and financial performance, thereby necessitating further investigation.

3. Research Objectives
The study aims to:
• Examine the effect of board characteristics on the financial performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.
• Determine the moderating effect of audit committee financial expertise on the relationship between board characteristics and financial performance.

4. Methodology
The study adopted an ex post facto research design using secondary data obtained from the annual reports of selected listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria for the period 2015–2024. Financial performance was measured using Return on Assets (ROA), while descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel regression techniques were employed to analyse the data. The moderating effect was examined through interaction variables.

5. Significance of the Study
The study provides evidence on the importance of audit committee financial expertise in strengthening corporate governance and improving the financial performance of Deposit Money Banks. The findings are expected to benefit regulators, bank management, investors, policymakers, and researchers by providing useful insights for enhancing governance practices and promoting better financial outcomes in the Nigerian banking sector.

MODERATING EFFECT OF BOARD INDEPENDENCE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUDIT FIRM CHARACTERISTICS AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY OF LISTED DMBs IN NIGERIA (2018-2025)

Adakole Michael Inalegwu — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Tesleem Adeyemi — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Dr. Abdu Abubakar — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Ibitoye Oyewale Olumide — Federal University Dutsin-ma

This study examines the moderating effect of board independence on the relationship between audit firm characteristics and financial reporting quality of listed deposit money banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigates the effects of audit tenure and audit fees on financial reporting quality and determines whether board independence alters these relationships. Anchored on Agency Theory, the study adopts an ex-post facto research design and uses secondary data obtained from the audited annual reports and financial statements of 15 bank groups over the 2018–2025 period, yielding 116 usable bank-year observations. Financial reporting quality is measured using discretionary loan-loss provisions, while audit tenure, audit fees and board independence constitute the principal explanatory variables. Panel regression techniques were employed, with model selection and diagnostic tests conducted before estimating the final fixed-effects model with bank-level clustered robust standard errors. The findings show that audit tenure has a negative but statistically insignificant relationship with discretionary loan-loss provisions, while audit fees have a positive and statistically significant relationship. Board independence has a negative and statistically significant relationship with discretionary loan-loss provisions. The interaction between audit tenure and board independence is positive but statistically insignificant, whereas the interaction between audit fees and board independence is negative and statistically significant. The study concludes that board independence does not significantly moderate the audit-tenure–financial-reporting-quality relationship but significantly moderates the audit-fee–financial-reporting-quality relationship. The findings highlight the importance of effective board monitoring in determining the reporting consequences of external audit characteristics in Nigerian listed DMBs.

Keywords Audit Tenure Audit Fees Board Independence Financial Reporting Quality deposit money banks.

MODERATING ROLE OF AUDIT COMMITEE FINANCIAL EXPERTISE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD ATTRIBUTES AND RISK DISCLOSURE OF LISTED FINANCIAL SERVICE FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

Aishatu Mohammed Kaigama — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Mohammed Habibu Sabari — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Haruna Muhammed Musa — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

ABSRACT
The growing emphasis on corporate transparency has increased the importance of risk disclosure among listed financial service firms in Nigeria. Despite this development, evidence on the governance mechanisms that drive effective risk disclosure remains inconclusive. This study examined the moderating effect of audit committee financial expertise on the relationship between board attributes and risk
disclosure among listed financial service firms in Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated whether audit committee financial expertise moderates the effects of board size, board independence, board gender diversity, board meetings, and board financial expertise on risk disclosure. A correlational research design was adopted, employing
secondary data that were extracted from 41 firms over a 14-year period (2011–
2024). The data were analyzed using panel multiple regression with STATA version 13. The results of the direct relationships indicate that board size has a significant negative effect on risk disclosure, while board meetings have a significant positive effect. However, when considering the moderating effect of audit committee financial expertise, the relationships involving board independence, board gender diversity, and board financial expertise changed from insignificant to significantly positive. The study concludes that audit committee financial expertise positively moderates the relationship between board independence, board gender diversity, board financial expertise, and risk disclosure among listed financial service firms in Nigeria. Accordingly, it is recommended that the managements of these firms should focus on building a board of 7-10 members which is approving effective size to balance diverse perspective with efficient decision making, prioritize the quality and effectiveness of board meeting over frequency, strengthen the board independent and encourage female participation on boards.

Keywords Risk disclosure board attributes audit committee financial expertise listed financial service firms Nigeria.

Moderating Role of Board Control on the Relationship between Audit Committee Dynamics and Going Concern Audit Opinion of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.

Bello Idris Sambo — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

This study examines the moderating role of board control in the relationship between audit committee dynamics and going concern audit opinions of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigates the influence of audit committee independence, financial expertise, size, and meeting frequency on going concern audit opinions and determines whether board control moderates these relationships. The study is anchored on Agency Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Corporate Governance and Board Control Theory. An ex post facto research design is adopted, using panel data from listed deposit money banks in Nigeria over the period 2009–2024. Secondary data are obtained from banks’ annual reports and other publicly available sources. Panel regression techniques are employed to analyse the data and test the hypothesised relationships. The study is expected to provide evidence on how audit committee characteristics influence auditors’ going concern assessments and whether effective board control strengthens or weakens these relationships. The findings are expected to contribute to corporate governance and auditing literature by providing evidence on the interaction between audit committee dynamics and board control in shaping audit reporting outcomes.

Keywords Audit Committee Dynamics Audit Committee Independence Financial Expertise Board Control Going Concern Audit Opinion

Ownership Structure and Firm Value: Evidence from Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

Bilal Omeiza Samson — Ibrahim Badamisi Babaginda University Lapai

This study examines the relationship between ownership structure and firm value of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Using panel data from 2016 to 2025, the study investigates four dimensions of ownership: managerial, institutional, ownership concentration, and foreign ownership. Firm value is proxied by Tobin’s Q. Control variables include firm age and firm size. Using panel regression analysis, the study explores how different ownership configurations influence firm value in the Nigerian manufacturing sector. The findings provide insights for policymakers, investors, and corporate managers on the role of ownership structures in enhancing firm value in emerging markets.

Keywords Ownership Structure Managerial Ownership Institutional Ownership Ownership Concentration Foreign Ownership Tobin’s Q Nigerian Manufacturing.

THE HUMAN–TECHNOLOGY NEXUS IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD DIGITAL EXPERTISE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD HUMAN CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Ibrahim Abubakar Ayuba — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Mohammed Habibu Sabari — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

ABSTRACT
The rapid digital transformation of the Nigeria's banking industry has enhanced financial service delivery while simultaneously exposing banks to cybersecurity threats, electronic fraud, system failures, third-party technology risks and data-related vulnerabilities which resulted to a lost of ₦134.48 billion between 2020 and 2025.These developments raised questions about whether conventional board human capital remains adequate for effective oversight in a technology-driven banking environment. Purposely, an ex-post facto research design will be adopted using secondary panel data obtained from annual reports, corporate governance reports and financial statements of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria over the selected study period (2015-2025). Board human capital will be measured through directors’ educational qualifications, financial expertise, industry experience and professional expertise, while board digital expertise will be assessed using directors’ expertise in information technology, FinTech, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Financial performance will be measured using return on assets, return on equity and Tobin’s Q. Panel-data regression and interaction-effect analysis will be employed to test the proposed relationships. Anchored on Human Capital Theory and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. The study is expected to contribute to accounting and corporate governance literature by establishing whether digital expertise functions as a complementary capability that strengthens the capacity of board human capital to better financial performance. The findings are expected to provide evidence for strengthening board composition, digital governance, technology-risk oversight and regulatory policies in Nigeria’s banking sector.
Keywords: Board human capital; digital expertise; corporate governance, financial performance

The moderating role of audit quality on the relationship between CEO attributes and financial performance of listed firms in Nigeria.

Mohammed Sani Abdullahi — Ahmadu Bello University

ABSTRACT
Financial performance is a major indicator of corporate efficiency and sustainability; however, listed firms operating within similar Nigerian economic and institutional environments continue to exhibit differences in financial performance. Existing empirical studies have reported mixed and inconclusive findings on the effects of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) attributes, including tenure, experience, financial expertise, gender, age and nationality, on firm performance. Furthermore, limited attention has been given to whether audit quality changes the strength or direction of these relationships. This study therefore examines the moderating role of audit quality on the relationship between CEO attributes and financial performance of listed firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to determine the effects of CEO tenure, experience, financial expertise, gender, age and nationality on financial performance and examine whether audit quality moderates each relationship. The study is anchored on Upper Echelons Theory and supported by Agency Theory, which explain how executive characteristics influence organizational outcomes and how external auditing can reduce information asymmetry and managerial opportunism. The study will adopt an ex post facto research design and utilize secondary data obtained from audited annual reports and accounts, corporate governance reports, Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) filings and other relevant corporate disclosures. The population will comprise firms listed on the NGX, with the study period covering 2014–2025, subject to data availability. Financial performance will be measured by Return on Assets (ROA), while audit quality will be proxied by Big Four and non-Big four audit-firm. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, diagnostic tests and panel regression will be employed, while interaction terms will be introduced to test the moderating effects of audit quality. The study is expected to contribute to corporate governance literature by clarifying the conditions under which CEO attributes influence financial performance.

Keywords Keywords: CEO Attributes Audit Quality Financial Performance Return on Assets Big Four Auditors.

EFFECT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Samuel Omiye Iyeh — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

ABSTRACT
This study seeks to find out the Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the Financial Performance of Listed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria using secondary data. The increasing emphasis on corporate accountability, sustainability and responsible business practice has made CSR an important consideration in assessing the performance and long-term sustainability of banking institutions. The study will specifically investigate the effect of selected dimensions of CSR including environmental management, community development, employee relations, as well as product and customer satisfaction, on the financial performance of DMBS in Nigeria. The study is expected to provide empirical evidence on whether and to what extent CSR practices influence the financial performance of DMBS in Nigeria. The findings are expected to contribute to the existing literature on CSR and corporate financial performance and provide useful insights for banks mangers, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders in making decisions concerning responsible corporate practices and financial sustainability. It covers the period of five (5) years from 2021 to 2025. This period is considered adequate because it covers the period in which most of the DMBs engaged in the sustainability reporting in Nigeria. To achieve this, data will be collected from annual financial statements of the 14 listed DMBs. Relevant information on the dependent and independent variables of the study will be extracted from the financial statements which will be subjected to different tests for analysis. Multiple regression will be considered appropriate in view of the fact that it helps in not only establishing “relationships” between variables, but also cause and effect. Robustness tests like Multicolinearity, Hauseman, auto correlation and Heteroskedasticity will be conducted to achieve reliability of the results.

IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED NON-FINANCIAL COMPANIES IN THE NIGERIA STOCK EXCHANGE

Rekiya Ogeh Abdulrahaman — Ahmed Bello University

emporary forces, the valuation of shareholders resources envisage broader financial performance ranging the dynamIn the contic corporate commitment into a diversifying profitability efficiency and operational competency. In the pursuance of business prosperous for equity holders wealth maximization objectivity and profitability anxiety, firm concentrate their strategic performance growth on labor efficiency, cost control discipline, productivity enhancement, asset utilization effectiveness, product brand orientation and market peculiarity acquaintance while undermine long term sustainability the highest indispensable return on investment. However, sustainability benchmarking standard is the triple bottom line diagonal matrices of economic defining profit making, social addressing people and environmental planetary encapsulation (Afolabi and Amosun, 2024).
Researchers have argue that environmental conservation served the critical component of the long term viability hosting the scientific pillar for the economic growth and social progress, an ethically behavioral entity consistently renew the contextual soil fertility biodiversity structure and ecological nutrient for wider scope of the natural resources stability and multiple decomposition of the organic earth ingredients needed for the supply of raw material industrial economic activities and improve soil condition for individual contact on agricultural output productivity and commercial engagement fortune (Anaekenwa, 2024, Akwuobi, 2022 Oludare and Adekunle 2023).
Anaekenwa,(2024) state that economic quality measure the living standard of people and national productivity driven the tendency of microeconomic and macroeconomic perspectives including the broader trends in global market and reinforcement of the real gross domestic product (GDP) per capital growth policies stimulating financial gain and community benefits such as fair wages rate and tax compliance which providing individual with basic needs in terms of food, water, health and shelter by extension emancipation from hunger and poverty dedicated to social progress and societal welfare.
Social equity bridge the gap between the poor and rich ensuring social safety net to vulnerable population which allow political participation, education

AUDIT QUALITY IND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY:A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF THE MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD FINANCIAL EXPERTISE

Magaji Badamasi — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf — Ahmadu Bello University,zaria

Dr.abubakar Nuhu — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Prof. Bashir Tijjani Musa

Abstract

Keywords Financial Reporting Quality Audit Quality Board Financial Expertise

EFFECT OF AUDIT ASSURANCE ARCHITECTURE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT FRAUD RISK IN THE NIGERIAN BANKING SECTOR

Rejoice Danjuma — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Mustapha Mohammed Bagudo — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf — Ahmadu Bello Univeristy, Zaria

I am submitting a synopsis

Keywords audit assurance architecture fraud risk financial statement banking sector

EFFECT OF BOARD AND AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARACTERISTICS ON FRAUDULENT FINANCIAL REPORTING: EVIDENCE FROM LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

Harisu Kasimu — Ahmadu Bello University

Isah Shittu — Ahmadu Bello University

Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf

The prevalence of fraudulent financial reporting (FFR) among listed firms in Nigeria has heightened concerns about the effectiveness of board and audit committee oversight mechanisms. This study examined the effect of board and audit committee characteristics on FFR among listed non-financial firms in Nigeria for the period 2020–2024. Specifically, the study assessed the effects of board independence, board financial expertise, audit committee independence, audit committee financial expertise, and audit committee meeting frequency on FFR. The Beneish M-Score model was used to measure fraudulent financial reporting. The study adopted a correlational research design and relied on secondary data obtained from the annual reports of 103 listed non-financial firms on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). A census sampling approach was employed to cover all firms within the study population, while the data were analyzed using Panel Binary Logistic Regression. The findings indicate that board independence had a positive but statistically insignificant effect on FFR. Board financial expertise, however, had a negative and statistically significant effect, suggesting that financial expertise at the board level can serve as a mechanism for reducing the likelihood of FFR. Audit committee independence also exhibited a negative but statistically insignificant effect, implying that although the relationship was negative, the evidence was insufficient to establish a significant influence on FFR. Conversely, audit committee financial expertise had a positive and statistically significant effect on FFR, which may reflect contextual or structural limitations in the effectiveness of audit committee oversight. Audit committee meeting frequency had a negative and statistically significant effect, emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring of financial reporting activities. The study recommends enhancing the practical effectiveness of governance mechanisms by ensuring that financial expertise is supported by independence, diligence, and strong ethical standards. Firms should also institutionalize regular audit committee meetings to improve the integrity of financial reporting processes.

Keywords Fraudulent Financial Reporting Board Characteristics Audit Committee Characteristics Beneish M-Score.

EFFECT OF DIGITAL FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNOLOGIES ON FRAUD DETECTION EFFECTIVENESS OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA: THE MODERATING ROLE OF ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Adline Bakinde — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Fraud detection effectiveness has become an important concern for deposit money banks because banking activities are increasingly conducted through electronic and digital platforms. The movement from conventional banking to internet banking, mobile banking, electronic payments and other technology-supported services has increased the volume and speed of financial transactions. At the same time, it has created new opportunities for fraudulent activities. Evidence from Nigerian banking research shows that electronic fraud has become an important threat to deposit money banks, particularly because the expansion of electronic banking has increased the exposure of banks to technology-related fraud. Agboare (2021) found that forensic accounting techniques such as investigation, financial transaction analysis and reconstruction of incomplete accounting records significantly support financial fraud detection in Nigerian deposit money banks. Similarly, recent evidence continues to show that forensic accounting is relevant to fraud detection and fraud management in Nigerian banks.
The problem has become more complex because modern fraud is increasingly digital, data-driven and difficult to identify through conventional procedures alone. Eguando (2023), in a study of selected Nigerian deposit money banks, found that technological forensic auditing involving robotic process automation, textual analysis and data analytics contributed significantly to financial crime detection. This indicates that forensic accounting is moving beyond traditional examination of accounting records towards the use of technologies capable of processing large quantities of digital information. Adeyemo and Obafemi (2024) similarly reported that advanced data analytics, machine learning, real-time monitoring and blockchain technology have important potential for strengthening fraud prevention in Nigerian deposit money banks.

Keywords Artificial intelligence Blockchain data-minning centralization formalization organizational structure

EFFECT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNIQUES ON FRAUD PREVENTION: EVIDENCE FROM FCT MDA

Victor Emmanuel Akhigbe — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Isah Shittu — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria-nigeria

Haruna Muhammed Musa — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Fraud remains a significant threat to accountability and transparency in the Nigerian public sector. This study examined the efficacy of forensic accounting techniques in preventing fraud, focusing on litigation support services, employee fraud awareness, expert consultation (witness), and whistleblowing (forensic anonymous communication). A descriptive research design was adopted, with primary data collected using structured questionnaires administered to staff across selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) in Stata 17 to estimate relationships among the constructs. Findings revealed that litigation support services, whistleblowing mechanisms, and anonymous communication had statistically significant positive effects on fraud prevention, indicating that effective legal mechanisms and anonymous reporting systems are critical tools for curbing fraud. In contrast, expert consultation (witness) and employee fraud awareness exhibited statistically insignificant effects, with employee fraud awareness showing a negative coefficient, suggesting that awareness alone, without institutional support or enforcement, may be insufficient to reduce fraudulent practices. The study recommends that public institutions institutionalize litigation support services, strengthen formal whistleblowing procedures, and better integrate expert consultation into fraud risk management frameworks for optimal effectiveness.

Keywords Forensic Accounting Fraud Prevention Public Sector Whistle blowing Employee Fraud Awareness Litigation Support Expert Consultation

Effect of Pressure Fraud Risk Factor on Fraudulent Financial Reporting of Listed Consumer Good Firms in Nigeria

Olajumoke Lawal — Ahmadu Bello University

Mustapha Muhammad Bagudo — Ahmadu Bello University

Dr. Ibrahim Yusuf — Ahmadu Bello University

Despite regulatory reforms, fraudulent financial reporting (FFR) persists among Nigerian listed firms, and the pressure drivers of this misconduct remain inconsistently understood, particularly the role of executives' personal financial needs or circumstances. This study examines the effect of four pressure fraud risk factors; financial stability, external pressure, managers' personal financial needs, and pressure to meet financial targets on FFR among consumer goods firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. Anchored on the Fraud Triangle Theory, the study adopts a correlational, ex-post-facto design using panel data drawn from the audited annual reports of nineteen listed consumer goods firms (2014–2024). Fraudulent financial reporting was proxied using the Beneish M-Score, a forensic measure that more precisely isolates deliberate misstatement than conventional discretionary accrual proxies. Data were analyzed using a robust random effect generalized least squares regression, following confirmatory Hausman and Breusch-Pagan Lagrangian Multiplier tests. The results show that financial stability (β = 0.001, p < .01) and pressure to meet financial targets (β = 0.036, p = .05) significantly increase the likelihood of fraudulent reporting, while external pressure significantly reduces it (β = −0.003, p = .054). Managers' personal financial needs showed no significant effect. The findings extend the Fraud Triangle Theory further by demonstrating that firm level pressures exert stronger influence on FFR than individual level financial pressures within the consumer good institutional context. Practically, regulators and corporate boards should prioritize monitoring firm level financial distress and target setting practices rather than focusing narrowly on individual managerial compensation structures when designing fraud detection frameworks.

Keywords Fraudulent Financial Reporting Pressure fraud risk factors financial stability External pressure Beneish M-Score Nigeria

EFFECT OF TAX ADMINISTRATION REFORMS ON REVENUE PERFORMANCE OF NIGERIAN REVENUE SERVICE.

Bashir Babatunde — Ahmadu Bello University

ABSTRACT
Background
This study investigated the effect of tax administration reforms on revenue performance of Nigerian revenue service (2015-2025).
In order to determine the effect of tax reforms on revenue performance in Nigeria, tax reform were measured by reform in petroleum profit tax (PPT), reform in company income tax (CIT), reform in value added tax (VAT), and reform in personal income tax (PIT) while revenue performance on the other hand was represented by total federal collection revenue.
Objective; The study aims to examine the effect of performance appraisal as a result of tax administration reforms by the Nigerian revenue service, with specific focus on PPT, CIT, VAT, and PIT administration.
Method; A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to staff of the Nigeria revenue service and relevant stake holders. Data analyses was conducted using the statistical package for social services (SPSS), The study employed descriptive statistical, rehabilitee tests, and simple linear regression analysis to test the hypotheses at a 5% level of significance.
Result; The findings indicate that revenue performance appraisal has a positive and statistically significant influence on tax administration reforms.
Conclusion; The study concludes that effective performance appraisal mechanisms enhance productivity, accountability and overall revenue performance within the Nigeria revenue service thereby enhancing tax administration reforms efficiency and effectiveness.
Unique contribution; The study provides empirical evidence linking performance appraisal systems directly to tax revenue outcomes (PPT, CIT, VAT and PIT) in Nigeria, an area that has received limited scholarly attention, thereby enriching the discourse on public sector performance management and tax administration.
Key recommendation; The Nigerian revenue service should strengthen its performance appraisal systems, live appraisal outcomes to reward and staff training and ensure transparency and objectivity in performance evaluation to further improve tax collection efficiency and effectiveness.

Keywords Revenue Performance Appraisal Tax Administration Reforms Value Added Tax Corporate Income Tax Nigeria Revenue Service.

Forensic accounting in detecting fraudulent practices in small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria

Aishatu Adamu Jibril — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Prof.m.s Badara — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Fraud continues to threaten the sustainability of many Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, despite growing interest in forensic accounting as a fraud management tool. Yet evidence on its effectiveness in SMEs remains inconsistent. This study examined whether forensic investigation, litigation support service, internal control systems, and fraud risk assessment contribute to fraud detection among SMEs in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected from employees of eleven purposively selected SMEs through structured questionnaires, yielding 90 valid responses. The data were analyzed in STATA 14 using descriptive statistics, reliability and correlation analyses, diagnostic tests, and Ordinary Least Squares regression.
The descriptive results showed moderate implementation of forensic investigation, litigation support service, and internal control systems, while fraud risk assessment received comparatively lower ratings. Respondents also reported relatively few fraud incidents. Despite satisfactory reliability estimates and diagnostic results, the regression analysis did not establish a significant relationship between any of the forensic accounting dimensions and fraud detection. The estimated coefficients for forensic investigation (β = 0.054, p = 0.367), litigation support service (β = 0.106, p = 0.245), internal control systems (β = 0.069, p = 0.293), and fraud risk assessment (β = 0.128, p = 0.177) were all statistically insignificant. The overall model was likewise insignificant (F(4,85) = 0.79, p = 0.537; Adjusted R² = −0.010).
The findings suggest that forensic accounting practices already exist within the sampled SMEs, but their current level of implementation has not produced measurable improvements in fraud detection. Greater emphasis should therefore be placed on consistent implementation and stronger fraud risk assessment if these practices are to achieve their intended outcomes.

Keywords Forensic accounting fraud detection SMEs fraud risk assessment internal control systems.

Impact of Audit quality on mitigating real earnings management of listed deposit banks in Nigeria.rea

Nicholas Ameh — Abu Zaria

ABSTRACT
This study examines The Impact of Audit Quality or Mitigating Real Earnings Management Practices among Listed Deposit Banks in Nigeria. Real earnings management entails manipulating real activities such as sales, production and discretionary expenditures to meet earnings target thereby reducing the reliability of financial reports giving the critical role of deposit banks in Nigerian financial system and the increasing regulatory focus on transparency, understanding the effectiveness of audit quality as a governance mechanism is essential.
The study adopts an ex-post facto research design and utilizes secondary data from the annual reports and financial statements of all deposit banks on the Nigerian Exchange Group for the period of 2020 to 2026. Audit quality is proxied by auditor size (Big 4 vs Non-Big 4), auditor tenure and auditor independence.
It is assumed that the findings will reveal higher audit quality, particularly engagement by Big 4 audit firms and longer auditor tenure significantly reduces the incidences of real earnings management in listed deposit banks. The study will contribute to corporate governance literature by providing empirical evidence from the Nigeria banking sector and will offer practical implication for regulators such as the CBN, FRCN and investors on the importance of appointing quality auditors to enhance financial reporting credibility and curb earnings manipulation

Keywords Real earnings management audit quality deposit banks financial system and Nigeria exchange group.

Moderating Effect of board independence on the relationship between Chief Executive Officers and Earnings Management Among listed firms in Nigeria.

Jimmy Ahwoh Equensen — Ahmedu Bello University Zaria(a B U)

This study examines the moderating of directors’ independence on the relationship between Chief Executive Officer characteristics and earnings management among listed firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examines the influence of CEO tenure, CEO ownership, CEO age, CEO compensation on earnings management and determines whether directors’ moderate these relationships. The study is anchored on Agency Theory and Upper Echelons Theory. An ex post facto research design is adopted, using panel data from listed firms in Nigeria over a period 2009-2025. Secondary data are obtained from banks’ annual reports and other publicly available sources. Panel regression techniques are employed to analyse the data and test the hypothesised relationships. The study is expected to provide evidence on how Chief Executive Officer characteristics influence earnings management whether effective directors’ independence strengthens or weakens these relationships. The findings are expected to contribute to corporate governance and auditing literature by providing evidence on the interaction between Chief Executive Officer characteristic and earnings management moderated by directors’ independence.

Keywords Directors’ independence Executive Officer characteristics Earnings management CEO compensation Listed firms in Nigeria.

SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING AND DISCRETIONARY ACCRUALS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD INDEPENDENCE AMONG LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

Akeem Atoyebi — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

This study will examine the moderating role of board independence on the relationship between sustainability reporting and discretionary accruals among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria from 2016 to 2025. Anchored on agency, stakeholder, legitimacy, and signaling theories, the study will employ a correlational research design using panel data regression analysis. Sustainability reporting is measured through economic, environmental, social, and governance disclosures using content analysis based on GRI indicators, while discretionary accruals are estimated using the Modified Jones Model. Board independence is measured as the proportion of independent directors. The study addresses identified gaps in literature regarding the moderating influence of board independence on sustainability reporting-earnings management nexus in emerging economies. Findings are expected to provide insights for policymakers, regulators, investors, and corporate boards on strengthening sustainability disclosure frameworks and corporate governance mechanisms to enhance financial reporting quality.

Keywords Sustainability Reporting Discretionary Accruals Board Independence Manufacturing Firms Nigeria Earnings Management.

Moderating Effect of Institutional Ownership on the Relationship Between Audit Committee Characteristics and Audit Quality of Listed Non-Financial Companies in Nigeria

Bamenda Philip Chinda — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Financial reporting credibility, capital market stability and corporate institution legitimacy depend on audit quality which has become the essential foundation for modern economic systems. The ethical principles which include truth, independence and professional scepticism, public interest responsibility establish the philosophical basis for audit quality. The system functions as a social agreement which grants auditors permission to protect financial data accuracy because it benefits shareholders together with all members of society. The established rules create audit quality as an institutional trust-building system which extends beyond technical standard compliance (Francis, 2024).
The concept of audit quality has undergone development throughout various stages of its existence since its first appearance. The first methods for evaluating audit quality depended on two elements which were the use of standard procedures and the professional abilities of auditors (Francis, 2024; Pflugrath, 2014). Research now shows that audit quality exists as multiple factors which depend on auditor actions, board supervision, ownership patterns and regulatory monitoring systems. Elmashtawy et al., (2024) and Zhang and Shailer (2022) confirm that audit quality results from the combined odds of detecting major accounting errors and correctly documenting these findings. Almasria, (2022) highlight that audit function governance structures now determine the probability of successful audit performance. The research conducted by Puspaningsih, (2025) explain that audit quality exists in a new institutional era following scandals because public trust in auditing relies equally on organisational oversight systems and auditing techniques.

Keywords Audit Quality Audit Committee Characteristics Institutional Ownership

Blockchain Disclosure Practices and Financial Reporting Quality of Listed Financial Services firms in Nigeria: Evidence from Annual Reports

Ahmed Dahiru Ahmed — Abu Zaria

Muazu Saidu Badara

Umar Abubakar

Olowu Daudu Yini Malachy

This study examines the effects of blockchain disclosure practices on financial reporting quality (FRQ) of listed financial services firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigates whether blockchain disclosure scores (BDS) and blockchain risk disclosure intensity (BRDI) influence FRQ. The study adopts a quantitative ex-post facto design and employs panel data obtained from annual reports of 41 listed sampled firms over the ten-year period from 2016-2025, yielding 408 firm-year observations. FRQ is measured using discretionary accruals (DAC), while BDS and BRDI capture the extent of blockchain-related disclosure and risk disclosure, respectively. Firm size, leverage, and profitability are included as control variables. The data was analyzed using panel regression techniques, Diagnostic tests revealed the presence of heteroscedasticity, while multicollinearity was not a problem. The LM test supported the use of a panel model over pooled OLS, while the Hausman test favoured the Random Effects estimator over the Fixed Effects model. Consequently, the final estimates were obtained using Random Effects regression with standard errors clustered at the firm level. The findings reveal that BDS has a negative but marginally significant effect on DAC (β = -0.2007, p-value = 0.065), suggesting that greater blockchain-related disclosure may be associated with improved FRQ, although the effect is not significant at the conventional 5% level. BRDI has a positive but statistically insignificant effect on DAC (β = 0.2301, p-value 0.171). The overall model is statistically significant (Wald X2 = 12.28, p-value = 0.031). The study concludes that BDS provides limited evidence of an association with FRQ, whereas BRDI does not demonstrate a statistically significant effect. The findings suggest that disclosure of blockchain-related information may not necessarily translate into substantive improvements in FRQ without deeper technological integration into firms’ accounting and reporting processes.

Keywords Blockchain Adoption Blockchain Disclosure Score Blockchain Risk Disclosure Intensity Financial Reporting Quality Discretionary Accruals Listed Firms Nigeria

EFFECT OF COMPANY CHARACTERISTICS ON AUDIT REPORT LAG OF LISTED OIL MARKETING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA.

Gabriel Ode, Phd — Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Mainoma, Mohammed Iliyasu, Phd — Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Umar, Ibrahim Ohinoyi Phd — Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Ngwai Stella Ngozi Phd — Nasarawa State University, Keffi

Abstract
This study examines the effect of company characteristics on audit report lag of listed oil marketing companies in Nigeria. The study adopts ex-post facto research design using panel sectional data of ten years (2016-2025) to examine the effects of independent variables (auditor type, profitability, complexity of operation, firm size and leverage) on the dependent variable audit report lag). The population of the study consist of ten (10) listed oil marketing companies in Nigeria as at 31st December, 2025. In view of this, ten (10) oil marketing companies listed on Nigerian Exchange Group were selected to represents the sample size for this study using census sampling technique. Secondary data was used and data were sourced from the audited annual reports of the sampled oil marketing companies in Nigeria. The Poisson regression estimation technique was used with the aid of EViews 10 to analyze the data. This study conclude that auditor type and complexity of operation have positive and significant effect on audit report lag of listed oil marketing companies in Nigeria. Profitability have negative and significant effect on audit report lag of listed oil marketing companies in Nigeria. Leverage have negative and insignificant effect on audit report lag of listed oil marketing companies in Nigeria. While firm size have positive and insignificant effect on audit report lag of listed oil marketing companies in Nigeria. The study recommended, among others, that oil marketing companies in Nigeria should employ the services of audit firms with proven track record of excellence and reputation as it results to improve timely audit report.

Keywords Keyword: Audit Report Lag Company Characteristics

MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD STRUCTURE ON FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS HIERARCHY AND ACCOUNTING BASED EARNINGS QUALITY OF LISTED COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NIGERIA

Binta Aliyu — Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi

Chechet, Ishaya, L.

Mustapha Mohammed Bagudo

Sabo, Bello.

This study examined the moderating role of Board structure as a corporate governance mechanism on fair value measurements hierarchy and Accounting Based Earnings Quality (ABEQ). Correlational research design was adopted. Data was sourced from annual reports for a sample of 10 out of 14 listed commercial Banks spanning a period of twelve (12) years from 2011 to 2022. Panel multiple regression was adopted in analyzing the data. Fixed and random effects regressions were carried out in order to ascertain validity and reliability of the data used for the study. The result for the Hausman specification and Langaragian multiplier tests conducted all found random effect to be the most appropriate tool for the analysis. The findings indicate a negative and significant moderating effect of Board structure on Fair value measurements and ABEQ. This means an increase in board structure minimizes estimation uncertainties that are possible in fair value measurements when using unobservable input (level 2 and 3). The results also reveal a negative and significant effect on Fair Value Measurements hierarchy and ABEQ. Thus, a decrease in level 2 and 3 fair value measurement increases ABEQ. However, this study recommends the need for strict adherence to board composition of listed Commercial Banks.

Keywords Accounting-Based Earning Quality Board Structure Fair value measurements.

THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT INTEGRATED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIFMIS) ON PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF KADUNA STATE MINISTRY OF FINANCE.

Umar H Muhammad — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

The management of public finances constitutes one of the most fundamental determinants of national development, governance quality, and institutional credibility. In both developed and developing economies, the manner in which governments plan, execute, account for, and report on public expenditures directly influences the extent to which public resources translate into services, infrastructure, and welfare for citizens. Public Financial Management (PFM) encompasses the legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, and systems through which governments raise revenues, allocate resources, and manage expenditures in a manner that is efficient, transparent, and accountable (Awoonor et al., 2025; Azure, 2023). Effective PFM is therefore not merely a technical or administrative concern; it is a governance imperative whose quality has direct consequences for the realisation of national development objectives, the rule of law, and public trust in government institutions.
Globally, the rapid advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) has catalysed a fundamental transformation in public financial management. Since the late 1990s, governments across the world — particularly in developing economies — have increasingly adopted Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS), also known in Nigeria as the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), as core instruments of PFM reform (Noor, 2022; Mputu, 2022). An IFMIS is a computerised system that integrates the key functions of public financial management — including budget preparation and execution, treasury management, accounting, payroll, procurement, and financial reporting — into a unified, real-time digital platform. The fundamental promise of IFMIS is to replace fragmented, manual, paper-based financial processes with automated workflows that reduce processing time, eliminate duplication, minimise opportunities for fraud and error, and generate timely and reliable financial information for decision-making (Pasape, 2022; Nhial, 2025).

THE IMPACT OF IPSAS ADOPTION ON HUMAN RESOURCE REPORTING COMPLETENESS IN NIGERIAN FEDERAL MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

Deborah Galadima — Ahmadu Bello University

THE IMPACT OF IPSAS ADOPTION ON HUMAN RESOURCE REPORTING COMPLETENESS IN NIGERIAN FEDERAL MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

Topic THE IMPACT OF BOARD KNOWLEDGE AND GOVERNANCE CAPABILITIES ON INTEGRATED REPORTING QUALITY OF LISTED COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

Saratu Yakubu Haruna — A.b.u

Abstract

Corporate reporting has traditionally been dominated by financial information designed primarily to communicate an entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows to providers of financial capital. However, the increasing complexity of the business environment has exposed limitations in a reporting model that focuses predominantly on historical financial information. Contemporary organisations create and sustain value through a combination of financial resources and less tangible resources and relationships, including human knowledge, intellectual capital, customer and stakeholder relationships, organisational capabilities and natural resources. Consequently, investors and other stakeholders increasingly require information that explains not only what an organisation has achieved financially, but also how it creates, preserves or erodes value over the short, medium and long term.
Integrated reporting emerged in response to this changing information environment. The Integrated Reporting Framework seeks to promote a more cohesive approach to corporate reporting by bringing together different strands of corporate information and communicating the factors that materially affect an organisation's ability to create value over time. It also seeks to enhance accountability and stewardship in respect of financial, manufactured, intellectual, human, social and relationship, and natural capitals.
The significance of integrated reporting therefore extends beyond increasing the volume of corporate disclosure. A high-quality integrated report should demonstrate connectivity between financial and non-financial information, explain the organisation's business model, identify material risks and opportunities, link strategy with resource allocation and performance, and demonstrate how different forms of capital interact in the process of value creation.

Keywords Key words Board knowledge Governance capabilities Integrated Reporting Quality Board Sustainability Knowledge Nigerian Listed Companies

Business Strategy and Maqasid al-Shari’ah-Based Performance of Islamic Banks in Nigeria: The Mediating Role of Board Independence

Nura Yahaya — Federel College Of Education (tech) Bichi, Kano

Mu’azu Yunusa Riruwai — Bayero University, Kano

This study examines the relationship between business strategy and Maqasid al-Shari’ah-based performance of Islamic banks in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of board independence. The study is motivated by the need to assess Islamic banking performance beyond conventional financial indicators by incorporating broader objectives relating to justice, human development, ethical conduct, social welfare, and public interest. Drawing on institutional theory and the resource-based view, A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving senior and managerial-level personnel of four Islamic banks operating in Nigeria. From a target population of 193 respondents, a sample of 127 was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan approach, while 140 questionnaires were distributed, resulting in 120 valid responses for analysis. Data were collected using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 30 and SmartPLS 4.0. The findings indicate that strategic orientation and independent board governance are relevant to the achievement of broader Islamic banking objectives. However, the relatively modest explanatory power suggests that other organizational, governance, institutional, and environmental factors also contribute to Maqasid al-Shari’ah-based performance. The study recommends strengthening board independence, aligning business strategies with Maqasid al-Shari’ah objectives, integrating independent directors into strategic governance, developing comprehensive Maqasid-based performance measurement systems, strengthening regulatory requirements, and investing in continuous board competence and training. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from Nigeria and by highlighting the complementary roles of strategic capability and governance capability in advancing Maqasid al-Shari’ah-based performance.

Keywords Keywords: Business strategy board independence Maqasid al-Shari’ah and Islamic banking.

EFFECT OF IPSAS ADOPTION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF KADUNA STATE

Mansur Khalid — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

The global shift from cash-based to accrual-based accounting in the public sector is one of the most significant theoretical evolutions in government accounting in the last few decades. This shift is underpinned by the New Public Management (NPM) movement, which advocates for introducing private-sector management practices—such as greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency—into the public sector.
zIt tests the validity of theories like Institutional Theory and Agency Theory in explaining accounting changes in non-western cultural settings. The study is current because it addresses the “implementation gap” theory, exploring why theoretical benefits of IPSAS (like improved comparability) often face practical hurdles in developing nations.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) of Nigeria mandated the adoption of accrual-based IPSAS for all tiers of government (Federal, State, and Local) effective from January 1, 2016. However, years post-deadline, full compliance remains a mirage, especially at the Local Government level. With dwindling oil revenues and increasing pressure on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the need for transparent financial reporting to attract investments and loans (e.g., World Bank SFTAS/LFTAS programs) is more critical than ever.
This agitation is theoretically sound but practically risky without robust financial systems. This study is timely as it argues that IPSAS adoption is a prerequisite for Autonomy; granting autonomy to LGAs with poor financial reporting structures (cash-based) would only decentralize corruption. IPSAS provides the necessary “fiscal straitjacket” to ensure autonomous funds are managed responsibly.
Kaduna State has been a frontrunner in governance reforms in Nigeria. Evaluating the success of IPSAS in this specific state provides a “best-case” or “test-case” scenario that can offer practical lessons for other states lagging behind
This research is designed to make significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge and to the formulation of public policy.

Keywords Independent Variable IPSAS Adoption Definition: The extent to which the LGA complies with the requirements of International Public Sector Accounting Standards. ii. Measurement: Measured using a 5-point Likert Scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly

Effect of risk management committee attributes on risk disclosure of listed financial service firms in Nigeria

Zainab Bello Sabiu — Abu

Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Abdullahi — Abu

Luca Mailafia — Abu

Prof. Halima Sani Sambo — Abu

Risk disclosure has emerged as a source of worry to many stakeholders in the business world due to the increase volatility and the uncertain nature of today’s business environment. Despite the importance of risk disclosure to investors and other stakeholders’ decision-making processes, there have been several reports on the low level of risk disclosure by financial institutions in Nigeria. In line with this, this study examined the effect of risk management committee attributes and risk disclosure of listed financial service firms in Nigeria. Risk management committee attributes were proxied by Risk Management Committee Size, Risk Management Committee Meetings, and Risk Management Committee Expertise and risk management committee industry experience while firm size is used as control variable, risk disclosure which is the dependent variable was measured using IFRS 7 disclosure index. The study used the correlational research design with a population of forty-four (44) listed financial services firms on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The study used an adjusted population of forty (40) financial service firms for the period of ten (10) year (2016-2025). Secondary data were extracted and analysed using robust fixed effect regression technique. The regression results showed that risk management committee expertise has a significant positive effect on risk disclosure of listed financial service firms in Nigeria. Furthermore, the regression results revealed that risk management committee industry experience has a significant positive effect on risk disclosure of listed financial service firms in Nigeria. Based on the conclusions, the study recommends that the management of listed financial service in Nigeria should increase the number of expert directors and also increase the number of directors with industry experience on their risk management committee because directors with financial expertise and industry experience are in a better position to evaluate potential impact of risk and monitor management in disclosing risk information

Keywords Keywords: Risk management Committee attributes Risk Disclosure listed financial service firms

Fair Value Measurement Under Economic Uncertainty: Evidence from Nigeria's Inflationary and Currency Devaluation Environment

Dr. Franklin Taiye Umaigba — Edo State Polytechnic, Usen

Dr. Doris Esohe Aiworo — Edo State Polytechnic, Usen

Dr. Miachael Jimoh Amedu — Edo State Polytechnic, Usen

ABSTRACT
The fair value measurement under IFRS 13 is predicated on the assumption that reasonably observable market inputs are available, an assumption that is difficult to uphold in economies experiencing sustained high inflation and currency instability. This paper examines the effect of Nigeria’s macroeconomic conditions between 2023 and 2026, characterised by the devaluation of the naira from about 770 to over 1500 per United States dollar and a headline inflation that peaked above 34 percent in 2024 on the reliability of fair value estimates reported by Nigerian listed entities. The paper uses a qualitative desk review approach and reviews conceptual, theoretical and empirical literature on fair value measurement in Nigeria with recent regulatory pronouncements including the determination of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria that Nigeria does not yet qualify as a hyperinflationary economy under IAS 29 in 2025. The discussion points out that the measurement uncertainty is concentrated in Level 2 and Level 3 fair value inputs, in particular for investment property, unquoted equity instruments and long-term financial assets, where observable market data has become scarce in the midst of currency volatility. This paper contends that the absence of a hyperinflationary designation does not remove the underlying measurement problem. Auditors, preparers and regulators in Nigeria are faced with a widening gap between the theoretical ideal of fair value and the practical availability of reliable inputs. Further recommendations are made to improve the disclosure of valuation techniques, tighten regulatory monitoring of the hyperinflation indicators and build capacity for auditors working with high uncertainty estimates.

Keywords fair value measurement IFRS 13 measurement uncertainty inflation Nigeria IAS 29

Impact of Inflation Accounting on Business Profit Measurement in a High-Inflation Economy

Bamenda Philip Chinda — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

The study examined impact of inflation accounting on business profits measurements of listed non-service companies in a high-inflation economy specifically Nigeria. Historical cost accounting records events and transactions at their nominal which does not reflect the real economic effects of such events in a high inflation environment. The study therefore examined the effects of six selected variables namely: cost of sales, staff cost, directors’ remuneration, depreciation, finance cost and tax expense on Business Profit Measurement of the listed non-service companies in Nigeria, while controlling for the variable of firm age. The research design adopted in this study is ex post facto research design. A balanced panel of 540 firm-year observations of the 54 listed non-service companies out of 72 in Nigeria for a period of ten years (2012–2021) were used in the study. Secondary data were collected from the annual reports of the studied companies. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, normality test (Jarque–Bera normality test), multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test (Breusch–Pagan Lagrangian Multiplier test and Modified Wald test) and regression analysis (Feasible Generalised Least Squares). The study found that while staff cost has negative relationship with Business Profit Measurement, depreciation and tax expense have positive relationship with Business Profit Measurement. However, cost of sales, directors’ remuneration and finance cost have no significant relationship with Business Profit Measurement. The overall regression model was jointly significant at 5% level of significance. The study concluded that historical cost accounting does not capture the real economic effects of inflation and thus supports the adoption of current purchasing power accounting. Inflation-adjusted accounting enhances the quality of financial reporting, increases comparability and reliability of financial information and thus supports sound investment decisions, good corporate governance and sustainable economic development to achieve SDGs 8, 9, 12, 16 and 17.

Keywords Inflation Accounting Business Profit Measurement Current Purchasing Power Accounting Historical Cost Accounting

Effect of audit attributes on firm value of listed companies in Nigeria

Ahmed Isa Ahmed — Ahmadu Bello University,zaria

The increasing importance of credible financial reporting in enhancing investors’ confidence has heightened interest in the role of audit attributes in determining the value of listed companies. Despite regulatory requirements for external audits, empirical evidence on the relationship between audit attributes and firm value among listed companies in Nigeria remains inconclusive. Furthermore, limited attention has been given to the possibility that firm size may influence this relationship.
This study therefore examines the moderating role of firm size in the relationship between audit attributes and firm value of listed companies in Nigeria. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the effects of audit firm size, audit switching, audit tenure and audit fee on firm value, and determine whether firm size significantly moderates these relationships.
The study will adopt an ex-post facto research design using secondary data obtained from the annual reports and financial statements of companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) for the period 2020–2025. Firm value will be measured using Tobin’s Q, while audit firm size will be proxied by Big Four affiliation, with Big Four audit firms coded as 1 and non-Big Four audit firms coded as 0. Audit tenure will be measured by the number of consecutive years of auditor engagement, while audit fees will be measured using the natural logarithm of audit fees paid. Firm size will be measured by the natural logarithm of total assets.
The study will employ descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and panel-data regression techniques, with interaction terms introduced to test the moderating effect of firm size. The findings are expected to provide useful evidence for investors, managers, auditors, regulators and other stakeholders.

Keywords Audit Attributes Audit switch Audit Firm Size Audit fee.Firm Size Firm Value Listed companies Nigeria

EFFECT OF BOARD CHARACTERISTICS ON INTEGRATED REPORTING PRACTICES OF LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Ibrahim Baba Musa — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Umaru Baba Mohammed — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

This study investigates the influence of board characteristics on integrated reporting practices of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. Specifically, it examines the effect of board size, board composition, board commitment, and board gender diversity on the extent of integrated reporting disclosure. The study adopts an ex-post facto research design using secondary data from 15 listed non-financial firms on the Nigerian Exchange Group over a 10-year period from 2015 to 2024, yielding 150 firm-year observations. Data were sourced from annual reports. Integrated reporting practices were measured using a disclosure index based on the International Integrated Reporting Council framework. Board characteristics and control variables were analyzed using panel data regression with robust standard errors. The regression results reveal that board size has a negative and significant effect on integrated reporting, suggesting coordination problems in larger boards. Board commitment and board gender diversity have positive and significant effects, indicating that active boards and female directors enhance disclosure quality. Board composition is positive but not significant. Among controls, firm size and profitability are positive and significant, while leverage is negative and significant. The model explains 51.2% of the variation in integrated reporting. The study concludes that board process and diversity are more critical than structural independence for integrated reporting. It recommends optimizing board size, increasing meeting frequency, and promoting gender diversity. Regulators should strengthen governance codes to accelerate integrated reporting adoption in Nigeria.

Keywords Board Size Board Composition Board Commitment Board Gender Diversity Integrated Reporting

Effect of financial technology on the performance of commercial banks in Nigeria.

Abdullahi Sode — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State

Aliyu Ndabida — Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru

ABSTRACT
The rapid diffusion of financial technology (fintech) into Nigeria's banking industry has reshaped how deposit money banks (DMBs) mobilise deposits, process payments, and manage risk, yet evidence on whether this diffusion translates into stronger financial performance remains mixed and largely fragmented across single-bank or short-window studies. This paper examines the effect of fintech adoption on the financial performance of Nigerian commercial banks over the 2021-2025 period, using an ex-post facto research design anchored on secondary panel data drawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) e-payment reports, and audited financial statements of a purposively selected sample of listed DMBs filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Fintech adoption is proxied by the value and volume of NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) transactions, mobile banking penetration, agency banking reach, and point-of-sale (POS) transaction value, while bank performance is measured using Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and the cost-to-income ratio. Panel regression results indicate that fintech adoption, particularly mobile and agency banking, exerts a statistically significant positive effect on ROA and ROE, while its effect on cost efficiency is positive but comparatively weaker once macroeconomic volatility is controlled for. The study concludes that fintech is a material, though not singular, driver of post-pandemic profitability gains among Nigerian DMBs and recommends targeted regulatory support for interoperable digital infrastructure and continued investment in cybersecurity as adoption deepens.

Keywords Financial Technology Commercial Banks Bank Performance Digital Banking Nigeria.

IMPACT OF SYNDICATED LOANS ON CORPORATE GROWTH IN NIGERIA; A STUDY OF THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS SECTOR (2020-2025)

Yahaya Musa — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of syndicated loans on corporate growth in Nigeria's oil and gas sector over the period 2020–2025. Using an ex-post facto research design, the study draws on secondary panel data extracted from the audited annual reports and accounts of eight purposively selected companies listed in the oil and gas sector of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), yielding forty-eight firm-year observations. The study is anchored on the Pecking Order Theory, Trade-Off Theory and Agency Cost Theory, and data are analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and panel regression. The results indicate that Syndicated Loan Volume and Syndicated Loan Intensity exert a positive and statistically significant effect on corporate growth, while Syndicated Loan Ratio exerts a positive but comparatively weaker effect, together explaining a substantial proportion of the variation in corporate growth among the sampled firms. The study concludes that syndicated loans are a significant driver of corporate growth in Nigeria's oil and gas sector and recommends that firms pursue optimal syndicated debt structures, that regulators streamline syndication frameworks, and that boards strengthen debt-covenant monitoring to convert borrowed capital into productive asset growth.

Keywords Syndicated Loans Loan Volume Loan Ratio Loan Intensity Corporate Growth Asset Growth Oil and Gas Nigeria

Moderating Effect of Operational Efficiency on the Relationship between Integrated Reporting Disclosure and Investors' Returns of Listed Non-Financial Firms in Nigeria

Ibrahim Baba Musa — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

The global corporate reporting landscape is experiencing a profound transformation, shifting from traditional financial reporting models to more holistic frameworks that communicate an organization’s strategy, governance, performance, and prospects in the broader context of its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ecosystem. Integrated Reporting (IR) has emerged as this transformative framework, aiming to provide a concise, integrated representation of how an organization’s strategy, governance, performance, and prospects create value over time. As a response to the limitations of siloed financial and sustainability reports, IR promotes integrated thinking, encouraging a deeper understanding of the connectivity between financial and non-financial capitals which include financial, manufactured, intellectual, human, social and relationship, and natural capitals.
In Nigeria, a developing economy with unique social and environmental challenges, the adoption of sustainable business practices and transparent corporate communication is of critical importance. The Nigerian business environment, characterized by its reliance on extractive industries and a growing manufacturing base, faces increasing pressure from global investors, civil society, and regulatory bodies to demonstrate long-term value creation and sustainability stewardship. While international momentum for IR is growing, its adoption within Nigerian non-financial firms remains nascent, characterized by a low level of awareness, technical capacity gaps, and a predominant focus on voluntary compliance. This research, therefore, seeks to investigate the drivers of IR adoption and quality within this specific context, positing that internal firm characteristics as manifestations of a firm’s resources, governance and strategic posture that play a decisive role in shaping its reporting practices.

Keywords Integrated reporting operational efficiency investors returns

Is Initial Public Offering (IPO) Better than Private Placement for New Firms? A Literature Review.

Bamenda Philip Chinda — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

The choice between an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and a Private Placement for new firms is one of the most critical decisions that a firm makes. Both equity instruments are used by firms to raise equity capital. IPOs and Private Placements are vastly different in terms of the costs of the offering, the ownership of the firm, the degree of disclosure required, the extent of the firm’s regulatory obligations, the class of investors that can invest in the firm, and the long-term consequences for the firm. The existing empirical research on the IPO vs. Private Placement choice presents mixed results as to which financial instrument is superior for new firms. This literature review examines a total of twenty published articles. The empirical evidence from these studies carried out in a variety of markets worldwide developed and less developed alike was critically evaluated. The method employed in this review is qualitative literature review where the various approaches used by the researchers were analysed and the divergences among them were highlighted. Empirical research supports the notion that IPOs are superior in terms of permanent capital, liquidity, corporate reputation and the ability to expand in the long term. Private placements on the other hand are superior in terms of quicker access to funds, lower financial costs, reduced regulatory requirements, lower disclosure requirements, greater managerial control, and greater flexibility. The review of existing literature provides strong evidence that, although IPOs are better for new firms in terms of several indicators, private placements are also very beneficial for new firms. Thus, the two types of equity offerings are not mutually exclusive and it is the strategic objectives of the firm, its developmental stage, its corporate governance, and even its growth prospects that determine whether a firm should opt for an IPO or a private placement.

Keywords Initial Public Offering Private Placement Equity Financing Cost of Capital

SAVINGS BY AND FOR THE POOR: A RESEARCH REVIEW

Shema’u Sabo-adamu — Economics Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Yusuf Goma Musa — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

The main objective of this paper was to review previous researches on savings by and for the poor. Savings play a critical role in the economic lives of the poor and low-income households, providing a means of managing income fluctuations, coping with shocks, financing investments, and improving long-term economic security. However, the ability of the poor to save, as well as the availability and suitability of savings products designed for them, remains insufficiently understood. This paper reviews the literature on savings by and for the poor, examining how low-income households save, the institutions and mechanisms through which savings are mobilized, and the factors that influence their savings decisions. Previous evidences suggest that appropriately designed savings products can strengthen financial resilience, facilitate productive investment, and contribute to poverty reduction. However, important gaps remain regarding the accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness of formal savings services for the poorest households, particularly in developing economies like Nigeria.

Keywords Savings Poor Households Financial Inclusion Informal Savings

Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Bias in Accounting: From Human Bias to Algorithmic Bias

Nana Fatimah Nasir — Ahmadu Bello University

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND COGNITIVE BIAS IN ACCOUNTING: FROM HUMAN
BIAS TO ALGORITHMIC BIAS
By Nasir Nana Fatimah,
Department of Accounting, ABU.
07068689054.
In recent years, there has been evident increase in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in accounting.
This integration of artificial intelligence into accounting estimates, audit judgement and financial risk
assessment shifts the focus on bias in financial reporting. Behavioural accounting research has shown that
cognitive biases distort human judgements especially in areas like materiality assessments and auditing.
Although the use of AI has the potential to reduce these human biases, it has also begun to raise concerns
about the emergence of algorithmic bias.
This conceptual paper examines the relationship between AI and cognitive bias in accounting specifically
focusing on the transition from human bias to algorithmic bias. It uses available literature on behavioural
accounting and artificial intelligence to explore how human biases may influence accounting decisions
and how AI systems may affect these biases. This paper also considers the role of automation bias and
excessive reliance on AI generated recommendations in shaping accounting judgements. It argues that AI
should not be viewed as inherently objective and bias free but seen as a tool that can improve accounting
judgement depending on the quality of the data, design of the system and the involvement of accounting
professionals.
The paper contributes to the emerging behavioural accounting and AI in accounting literature by
reframing Artificial Intelligence as a potential source of algorithmic bias and not just a tool for reducing
human bias.

Keywords Artificial Intelligence Behavioural accounting Cognitive bias Algorithmic bias Professional judgement

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, CYBERSECURITY, AND FINANCIAL INTEGRITY: STRENGTHENING ACCOUNTING, TAXATION, AND GOVERNANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Alhassan Arimiyau Aliyu — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria Nigeria

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way accounting, taxation, and governance are carried out across the world. It helps organizations improve financial reporting, detect fraud, support tax administration, and make better financial decisions. However, as financial systems become more digital, they also face growing cybersecurity threats such as cyber fraud, data breaches, attacks, and unauthorized access to financial information. These threats can weaken financial integrity and reduce public confidence in financial systems. For developing countries like Nigeria, the challenge is not only to adopt Artificial Intelligence but also to ensure that it is supported by effective cybersecurity and good governance.This paper examines the relationship between Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, and financial integrity within the context of accounting, taxation, and governance for sustainable development in Nigeria. The study adopts a qualitative approach through a review of relevant literature, professional reports, and policy documents. The paper argues that although Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve transparency, accountability, and fraud detection, these benefits can only be achieved when supported by strong cybersecurity measures, effective regulatory frameworks, ethical governance, and skilled accounting professionals.To address this challenge, the study proposes how Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, governance, institutional capacity, and professional competence can work together to strengthen financial integrity. The paper concludes that Nigeria can maximize the benefits of Artificial Intelligence by combining technological innovation with strong cybersecurity, sound governance, and effective regulation.

Keywords Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Financial Integrity Accounting Taxation and Governance Sustainable Development

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNIQUES AND THE PREVENTION OF FINANCIAL FRAUD IN THE NIGERIA PUBLIC SECTOR: A STUDY OF SELECTED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES

Hamza Abdulkadir Ahmed — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abstract
Financial fraud remains a major challenge to effective public-sector administration in Nigeria. Although government institutions operate within established accounting, auditing, procurement and financial-control frameworks, fraudulent practices such as misappropriation, procurement manipulation, fictitious payments, diversion of public funds, payroll fraud and falsification of records continue to threaten the effective use of public resources. This paper examines the role of forensic accounting techniques in preventing financial fraud in selected Federal Government Ministries in Nigeria. The study adopts a documentary research design and relies on relevant academic literature, official reports and institutional publications. The paper focuses on forensic auditing, data analytics, Benford's Law, ratio and trend analysis, financial statement examination, asset tracing, transaction reconstruction, digital evidence examination and fraud-risk assessment. The analysis shows that forensic accounting provides an investigative dimension that complements conventional auditing and internal control systems. Evidence from Nigerian public institutions indicates that weaknesses in financial management systems, record keeping, procurement compliance, monitoring and enforcement continue to create opportunities for financial misconduct. The study argues that forensic accounting should not be viewed only as a reactive mechanism for investigating fraud after losses have occurred. Instead, it should be integrated into the routine financial management and risk-management systems of government ministries. The paper recommends continuous forensic review of high-risk transactions, increased use of data analytics, improved digital financial systems, specialised training for accountants and auditors, stronger collaboration among oversight institutions and prompt implementation of audit and forensic recommendations. The study concludes that effective application of forensic accounting can strengthen financial integrity, improve accountability and contribute to the protection of public resources in Nigeria.

Keywords Forensic accounting financial fraud public sector fraud prevention financial integrity

Fraud Risk Management and Financial Integrity in Nigeria: Towards an Integrated Internal Control and Governance Framework for Sustainable Development

Murtala Ibrahim — Aym Shafa Holdings Ltd

Fraud remains one of the most corrosive threats to financial integrity and sustainable development in Nigeria. Global evidence indicates that the typical organisation loses an estimated five per cent of annual revenue to occupational fraud, while Nigerian deposit money banks lost N42.6 billion to fraud and forgeries in the second quarter of 2024 alone, a figure that exceeded total reported losses for the whole of 2023. Against this backdrop, this conceptual paper develops an integrated framework linking fraud risk management, internal control, and corporate governance to financial integrity and sustainable development outcomes. Drawing on the fraud triangle, the fraud diamond, agency theory, and institutional theory, and synthesising the COSO Internal Control Integrated Framework, the COSO and ACFE Fraud Risk Management Guide, and the Three Lines Model, the paper proposes a five pillar Integrated Fraud Risk Management and Financial Integrity (IFRMFI) Framework comprising governance and ethical tone, fraud risk assessment, preventive and detective control activities, whistleblowing and continuous monitoring, and investigation, enforcement, and remediation. Five testable propositions are advanced to guide future empirical inquiry. The paper argues that financial integrity is produced not by isolated anti fraud interventions but by the disciplined interaction of governance, control, and accountability structures operating within a supportive institutional environment. Implications are drawn for boards, regulators, forensic accounting practice, and accounting education, with direct relevance to Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Keywords fraud risk management financial integrity internal control corporate governance sustainable development

Impact of Public Finance Reforms on Revenue Generation in Katsina State

Anas Salisu Ladan — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Public finance management reforms have become critical instruments
for enhancing fiscal discipline, transparency, and revenue generation
capacity in developing economies. Nigeria’s adoption of key reforms—
including the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Government Integrated
Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), E-Budgeting,
and the Public Procurement Act (2007)—aims to consolidate
government funds, streamline financial reporting, improve budget
execution, and curb procurement fraud.
Katsina State, like many Nigerian states, has implemented these reforms
to address fiscal challenges, including low Internally Generated Revenue
(IGR), expenditure leakages, and weak budgetary control. The state
government announced full implementation of TSA and digital payment
systems in early 2023, linking these reforms to improved transparency
and reduced leakages. Between 2017 and 2025, Katsina State’s IGR
grew steadily, with the state recording an 81.66% revenue performance
in 2025, generating ₦565.28 billion out of a revised budget of ₦692.24
billion . These reforms have reduced dependence on federal allocations
and improved budget management. However, empirical evidence
quantifying the causal impact of these specific reforms on revenue
generation in Katsina State remains scarce.

Keywords Public Finance Revenue Reforms Generation

Loan loss recognition timeliness and procyclicality of lending: A conceptual Framework

Jumai Murtala Ajuma — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Mustapha Maruf (phd) — Department Of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Suleiman Salami, Ph.d — Department Of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Procyclicality of lending remains a critical source of financial instability as banks excessively increase lending during expansion and sharply reduce lending during recessions thereby intensifying the business cycle volatility. This paper explores whether loan loss recognition timeliness has implications for banks' procyclicality of lending. The paper identifies an unresolved question within the accounting literature: whether more timely forward-looking loss recognition under IFRS 9 mitigates procyclicality of lending by using a three stage approach to recognising expected credit losses, as intended by accounting standard-setters or instead worsen it by triggering large loan loss provision increases at the start of a recession, a concern raised repeatedly by prudential regulators. Based on this, the paper develops a conceptual framework in which loan loss recognition timeliness influence procyclicality of lending, proxied by loan growth, with the relationship conditioned by GDP growth. Three propositions are advanced to guide future empirical studies, with particular relevance to emerging African banking systems that recently transitioned to IFRS 9 reporting. The paper concludes with implications for accounting standard-setters, accountants and auditors.

Keywords Procyclicality of lending expected credit loss IFRS 9 Loan loss recognition timeliness

THE EFFECT OF FINANCIAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF EXTERNAL FINANCE DEPENDENCE

Aliyu Ahmed Alhaji — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

The financial performance of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria has not been substantial and has remained uneven, with firms facing challenges in generating sustainable financial returns. Literature has shown that financing constraints, particularly limited access to external finance through sources such as financial markets, may restrict firms’ ability to undertake productive investment and improve financial performance. This study therefore seeks to examine the effect of financial market development on the financial performance of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria, with external finance dependence as a moderating factor. Specifically, the study will examine the effect of the different dimensions of financial market development, including market depth, market access, market efficiency and market stability, on financial performance and determine whether external finance dependence alters these effects. The study is anchored on financial development theory, pecking order theory and information asymmetry theory, which provide explanations of how financial market conditions and firms’ financing needs may influence financial outcomes. The study will employ an ex-post facto research design using secondary data obtained from the annual reports and audited financial statements of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria, the Nigerian Exchange and recognised financial databases, while financial market development indicators will be obtained primarily from the IMF Financial Development Database. The study will cover the period 2010–2025 and employ appropriate panel data estimation techniques to examine the relationships among the variables. The study is expected to provide evidence on whether financial market development improves firms’ financial performance and whether the effect differs according to firms’ dependence on external finance.

Keywords Financial Market Financial Performance External Financial Dependence Non-Financial Firms Financial Constraints

Financial Fraud in Nigerian Federal Ministries: Examining Pressure, Opportunity, Rationalisation and Greed

Cosmas Ozoemena Ugwu — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Ahmed, Aliyu Abdullahi — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abdulkarim, Musa Mohammed2, — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abstract
Financial fraud remains a significant challenge to public-sector accountability, financial integrity and effective utilisation of public resources. This study examines the relationship between perceived financial pressure, perceived opportunity, perceived rationalisation and greed and financial fraud in Nigerian federal ministries. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted. From 113 questionnaires administered, 107 were returned and 105 usable responses were retained for analysis. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS 4. The measurement model demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity. The structural model produced an R² of 0.500 and an adjusted R² of 0.480, indicating that the four explanatory variables jointly explained 48% of the adjusted variance in financial fraud. Perceived financial pressure had no statistically significant relationship with financial fraud (β = 0.001, t = 0.013, p = .990). Perceived opportunity had a statistically significant negative relationship with financial fraud (β = −0.343, t = 3.886, p < .001). Perceived rationalisation had a statistically significant positive relationship with financial fraud (β = 0.463, t = 3.797, p < .001), while greed also had a statistically significant positive relationship with financial fraud (β = 0.226, t = 2.217, p = .003). The model demonstrated predictive relevance, with Q²_predict of 0.395. The findings indicate that rationalisation and greed are important behavioural correlates of financial fraud in the study context, whereas perceived pressure does not significantly explain fraud. The negative association between opportunity and fraud further suggests that the conventional Fraud Triangle relationships may be contingent on the institutional control environment. The study contributes to public-sector fraud literature by extending the behavioural explanation of fraud through the incorporation of greed alongside the traditional Fraud Triangle dimensions.

Keywords financial fraud perceived pressure perceived opportunity rationalisation greed Fraud Triangle Theory public sector Nigerian federal ministries PLS-SEM.

EFFECT OF PAYOUT POLICY AND BOARD DYNAMICS ON SHAREHOLDERS’ WEALTH OF LISTED INSURANCE FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Akeem Olaide Olaoye — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

ABSTRACT
The existence of information asymmetry, agency problems, certainty versus risk and value creation versus investors indifference makes payout policy and board dynamics the most controversial of the three corporate decisions that managers have to take (investments, financing and dividends). The inconsistent empirical findings and mixed results from previous studies will necessitates a further research on this topic.

The major objective of any firm is to maximize the shareholders’ wealth. This is evidence through dividend payout ratio, dividend Pay share, dividend yield and board dynamics, this encapsulate into the payout policy of a company.
This study will examine the Effect of Payout Policy and Board Dynamics on Shareholders’ Wealth of Listed Insurance Firms in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design will be adopted. The population will comprise thirteen (13) Listed Insurance Firms spanning a period of five (5) years from (2021 to 2025) in Nigeria. The study will utilize secondary data that will be sourced from annual published financial statements and information of listed Insurance firms from Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX). Multiple regression will be employed to analyze the data. The independent variables (IV) for Payout Policy are Dividend Payout Ratio (DPR), Dividend Per Share (DPR), Dividend Yield (DY), and Board dynamics are Board Size, Board Gender Diversity and Board Expertise while the dependent variable (DV) is Market price per share as proxy of shareholders’ wealth.

Keywords Shareholders’ Wealth Dividend Payout Ratio Dividend Per Share dividend Yield Board Dynamics

Board Charasteristics and ESG Discluture Practices of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria: The Morderating Role of fFrm Size.

Adamu Aliyu Abdulkadir — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Abstract
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure has become increasingly important in corporate reporting due to growing stakeholder demand for transparency, accountability, and sustainable business practices. Global initiatives such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have further strengthened the need for firms to disclose ESG-related information. Consequently, corporate boards are expected to provide effective oversight that promotes quality ESG reporting. In Nigeria, listed manufacturing firms have significant environmental and social impacts through resource consumption, emissions, waste generation, labor practices, and community relations. Despite the increasing emphasis on sustainability reporting, ESG disclosure practices among these firms remain inconsistent and vary considerably across organizations. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of board characteristics in enhancing transparent ESG reporting. Although previous studies have examined the influence of board characteristics such as board size, independence, gender diversity, expertise, and meeting frequency on sustainability disclosure, their findings remain mixed and inconclusive. Furthermore, most Nigerian studies have focused on general sustainability reporting rather than ESG disclosure as a comprehensive construct. This study addresses these gaps by examining the effect of board characteristics on ESG disclosure practices of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria and investigating the moderating role of firm size. The findings are expected to enrich corporate governance literature, inform policy decisions, and improve ESG reporting practices.

Keywords Keywords Sustainability Disclosure Board Characteristics ESG

Effect of Board Characteristics on Sustainability reporting of Listed Multinational Firms in Nigeria

Rukayya Sanusi Bayero — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

M.d.tahir — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Dr. Nasiru Yunusa — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Bello Sabo — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

The study examines the effect of board characteristics on Sustainability reporting in Nigeria. Of which, board characteristics was represented by board size, board gender diversity and board meetings while sustainability reporting is the dependent variable measured using then Global Reporting checklist. To address the problem, Fixed Effect Robust model was employed, using Stata software for the analysis. Secondary source of data was extracted from the annual reports and accounts of the Listed Multinational Firms in Nigeria over the period 2016-2025. Robustness test such as multicollinearity and heteroskedasticity tests were ran to validate the results. The study finds that board characteristics which include board gender diversity and board meetings significantly affects sustainability reporting positively. In contrast, the study found board size to have an insignificant effect on sustainability reporting. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the multinational firms in Nigeria should keep and appropriate number of female directors and board meetings in order to tackle sustainability reporting issues.

Keywords GRI Index Sustainability reporting board characteristics multinational firms

Effect of Ethical Investment Practices on the Financial Performance of Listed Non-Financial Services Companies in Nigeria

Jamiu Bakare — Ahamadu Bello University Zaria

Abstract
Ethical (or socially responsible) investment decision-making has been extensively studied among institutional investors and listed firms in developed capital markets, where ESG disclosure and stock performance data are readily available. However, developing nations like Nigeria whose significant numbers of the listed companies are beginning to buy-in into investing proportion of their idle fund into these ethical investment options as expectations is becoming increasing that their company need not only need to pursue a profit motive driven objective without giving regard to the social, environmental, moral and ethical financial inclusion consideration in the long run. The need for other significance registered businesses with considerable market share of GDP in Nigeria to explore the ethical investment choices and practices which no longer operate in an informal, data-scarce environment. Investment choices are driven by ethical sourcing, fair labour practices, environmentally conscious asset acquisition, or Sharia/values-compliant financing and not largely driven by owner-manager cognition rather than institutional governance structures. Existing literature has not adequately theorized how such micro-level ethical judgment translates into measurable financial outcomes for resource-constrained firms. This study contributes originality by extending stakeholder theory and behavioural finance frameworks to the MSME context, and by empirically testing whether ethical investment orientation functions as a performance driver or a resource-diverting constraint in an emerging-market, low-regulation environment. The findings will inform policy design, ethical finance product development, and theoretical extensions of responsible investment models to listed enterprises.
Keywords: Financial Inclusion, Ethical Investment, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable Finance, Shared value

Keywords Keywords: Financial Inclusion Ethical Investment Corporate Social Responsibility Sustainable Finance Shared value

EFFECT OF MODERATING ROLE OF DIGITAL DISCLOSURE QUALITY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUSTAINABILITY DISCLOSURE AND MARKET VALUE OF LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Umar Mohammed — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Market value represents the worth of a firm as perceived by the capital market, typically measured through market capitalisation or Tobin's Q. It reflects the collective assessment of investors regarding a company's future cash flows, growth prospects, and risk profile. In the Nigerian manufacturing sector, market value has become increasingly sensitive to non-financial performance indicators as investors broaden their evaluation criteria beyond traditional profitability metrics (Amandiogu et al., 2025). This shift in investor sentiment has positioned sustainability disclosure as a critical informational asset that signals operational resilience, responsible practices, and long-term value creation.

Empirical evidence from the Nigerian context demonstrates that market capitalisation responds positively to comprehensive sustainability reporting. A study of 53 listed manufacturing firms between 2015 and 2024 revealed that environmental disclosure (β = 0.3380, p = 0.0000), social disclosure (β = 0.5042, p = 0.0000), and economic disclosure (β = 3.2793, p = 0.0000) each have statistically significant positive effects on market capitalisation (Amandiogu et al., 2025). These findings indicate that investors reward firms that demonstrate commitment to employee welfare, community engagement, stakeholder relations, and environmental responsibility through higher market valuations.

However, the relationship between sustainability disclosure and market value is not automatic. The quality, timeliness, and accessibility of disclosed information play crucial roles in shaping investor decisions. When sustainability information is poorly presented, delayed, or difficult to access, its value relevance diminishes significantly. This practical challenge is evident in the Nigerian manufacturing sector, where sustainability reports often remain buried in lengthy annual reports, making it difficult for investors to extract meaningful insights for decision-making.

Keywords Market Value Economics Environmental Social Governance DISCLOSURE

EFFECT OF SUSTAINABILITY RELATED DISCLOSURE ON QUALITY OF FINANCIAL REPORTS OF LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA.pdf

Fatima Shehu Giwa — Ahmadu Bello University

The quality of corporate reporting has traditionally been associated with the extent to which financial statements faithfully represent an entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows and provide useful information for economic decision-making. However, the increasing significance of environmental, social and governance issues has fundamentally changed the information needs of investors and other users of corporate reports. Sustainability-related risks and opportunities can influence an entity's business model, strategy, access to finance, cost of capital, cash flows and long-term prospects. Consequently, information about such matters is increasingly regarded not merely as corporate social responsibility information but as information with potential financial consequences.
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), through IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information, has established a global baseline for sustainability-related financial disclosures. IFRS S1 requires entities to disclose material information about sustainability-related risks and opportunities that could reasonably be expected to affect their cash flows, access to finance or cost of capital over the short, medium or long term. The standard requires disclosure across four core areas: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets.This development represents an important shift in the nature of corporate reporting.

Keywords Sustainability disclosure Financial Reporting IFRS S1

IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Compliance and Cost of Capital of Listed Nigerian Firms

Aliyu Abubakar — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

The increasing financial significance of sustainability- and climate-related risks has intensified the need for decision-useful corporate disclosure. In response, the International Sustainability Standards Board issued IFRS S1, General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information, and IFRS S2, Climate-related Disclosures, to establish a global investor-focused baseline. However, empirical evidence on whether compliance with these standards influences corporate financing costs remains limited, particularly in emerging markets. This study examines the relationship between IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 compliance and the cost of capital of listed firms in Nigeria during the voluntary-adoption period preceding mandatory application for relevant public-interest entities from 2028.

The study will have four objectives: to assess the extent and quality of IFRS S1/S2 compliance among listed Nigerian firms; to examine its relationship with weighted average cost of capital; to investigate its relationship with cost of equity; and to assess its relationship with cost of debt. The study will adopt a quantitative explanatory design based on firm-year panel data for listed firms on the Nigerian Exchange over 2021–2026, subject to data availability. IFRS S1/S2 compliance will be measured through a structured 0–100 disclosure index derived from the standards’ requirements. The index will assess the completeness and decision usefulness of disclosures relating to governance, strategy, risk management, metrics and targets, as well as climate-specific matters. Cost of capital will be measured through weighted average cost of capital, cost of equity, and cost of debt.
Three firm fixed-effects regression models will be estimated, controlling for firm size, leverage, profitability, growth opportunities, liquidity, market risk, firm age, and audit quality, while year fixed effects will capture Nigeria-wide macroeconomic and regulatory shocks. The study is expected to contribute early evidence on the capital-market relevance of IFRS S1/S2 compliance in Nigeria, inform the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria’s implementation agenda, and guide listed firms, investors, lenders, auditors, and the Nigerian Exchange in assessing the financial implications of sustainability reporting.

Keywords IFRS S1 IFRS S2 sustainability disclosure climate-related disclosure cost of capital cost of equity cost of debt Nigerian listed firms.

Integrated reporting and financial performance of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria.

Samson Omale — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

ABSTRACT
‎This study examines the effect of integrated reporting on the financial performance of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The increasing demand for corporate transparency, accountability, and sustainable business practices has made integrated reporting an important mechanism for communicating both financial and non-financial information to stakeholders. Despite the growing adoption of integrated reporting practices, there remains limited empirical evidence on its relationship with the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The study therefore seeks to determine whether integrated reporting practices significantly influence the financial performance of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria.
‎The study will adopt an ex-post facto research design and use secondary data obtained from the annual reports and financial statements of selected listed thirty-eight (38) listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria from 2020 to 2026. Integrated reporting will be measured using relevant dimensions of integrated reporting disclosure, while financial performance will be measured using appropriate accounting-based indicators such as Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). The data collected will be analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel regression techniques. The study will be anchored primarily on the Stakeholder Theory and Legitimacy Theory, which explain the importance of corporate disclosure in addressing stakeholder’s information needs and enhancing organisational legitimacy.
‎The study is expected to provide empirical evidence on the extent to which integrated reporting contributes to improved financial performance among Nigerian manufacturing companies. The findings will be useful to corporate managers, investors, regulators, policymakers, and other stakeholders in understanding the benefits and challenges associated with integrated reporting. The study will also contribute to the existing literature on integrated reporting and provide a basis for further research in developing economies, particularly Nigeria.

Keywords Integrated Reporting Financial Performance Manufacturing Companies Corporate Disclosure Return on Assets Return on Equity Nigeria.

Moderating Effect of Environmental Sustainability committee on Relationship Between Board Attributes and Environmental Disclosure Quality of Listed manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

Shehu Aminu — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

This study investigated the moderating effect of environmental sustainability committee on relationship between board attributes and environmental disclosure quality of listed manufacturing Firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study focuses on selected board attributes, including board size, board independence, board gender diversity, board expertise and board nationality, and examines their influence on the extent of environmental disclosure. The study further investigates whether the presence and effectiveness of a sustainability committee strengthen or weaken the relationship between board attributes and environmental disclosure. The study will adopt an ex-post facto research design using secondary data obtained from the annual reports and sustainability reports of 36 listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria.panel data covering the selected study period of eleven years (2015 to 2025) will be analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics techniques, including regression analysis.the study is expected to contribute to the literature by providing evidence on how board characteristics influence environmental disclosure and by highlighting the potential moderating role of sustainability committees. The findings are expected to be useful to regulators, corporate boards, investors and other stakeholders in promoting and improved environmental transparency and corporate sustainability practice in Nigeria.

Keywords Sustainability committees environmental disclosure moderator stakeholders transparency

Moderating effect of stakeholders engagement disclosure on the relationship between board structure and sustainability reporting quality of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria

Salihu Umar — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Abstract

Sustainability reporting among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria remains weak, unstructured, and often unverifiable, undermining stakeholder trust and limiting access to global capital markets where ESG criteria are now central to investment decisions. Existing literature on the influence of board structure board size, independence, gender diversity, expertise, and audit committee independence on sustainability reporting quality is highly inconsistent, and the potential moderating role of stakeholder engagement disclosure in this relationship remains largely unexplored, particularly within Nigeria's manufacturing sector. This study aims to examine the moderating effect of stakeholder engagement disclosure on the relationship between board structure and sustainability reporting quality among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study adopts an ex-post facto research design, drawing on panel data from the annual reports and accounts of 38 listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria from 2017 to 2026. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, panel data correlation, and panel regression techniques (fixed and random effects models), guided by the Hausman test, with Habermas's Communicative Action Theory as the underpinning framework. The study is expected to reveal that board structure attributes significantly influence sustainability reporting quality, and that stakeholder engagement disclosure strengthens this relationship, offering empirical evidence to guide governance reforms, regulatory policy, and improved ESG disclosure practices in Nigeria's manufacturing sector.

Keywords Board Structure Sustainability Reporting Quality Stakeholder Engagement Disclosure Listed Manufacturing Firms.

Moderating role of audit quality on the relationship between Corporate Sustainability Reporting Dimensions and financial performance among listed firms in Nigeria

Muazu Umar Maskawa — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting has emerged as one of the most significant developments in corporate reporting as investors, regulators, creditors, and other stakeholders increasingly demand greater transparency regarding organization’s sustainability performance and long-term value creation (International Sustainability Standards Board [ISSB], 2023; KPMG, 2024). The growing emphasis on sustainable business practices has shifted corporate reporting beyond traditional financial information to encompass environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance accountability. Consequently, ESG reporting has become an essential mechanism through which firms communicate their commitment to sustainable development and responsible corporate behaviour (Eccles & Klimenko, 2019; Friede, Busch, & Bassen, 2023).

Keywords Asset Tangibility

MODERATING ROLE OF FOREIGN OWNERSHIP ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORPORATE BOARD ATTRIBUTES AND ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) REPORTING OF LISTED COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

Joshua Bulus — Abu

Globally, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting has become increasingly important in promoting corporate transparency, accountability, and sustainable business practices. Corporate boards play a critical role in shaping corporate disclosure policies and monitoring management; however, the extent to which corporate board attributes influence ESG reporting may depend on ownership characteristics. This study proposes to examine the moderating role of foreign ownership in the relationship between corporate board attributes and ESG reporting of listed companies in Nigeria. Specifically, the study will investigate the effects of board size, board independence, board gender diversity, board meeting frequency, and board financial expertise on ESG reporting. It will further determine whether foreign ownership strengthens or weakens the relationship between these board attributes and ESG reporting. The study is anchored on Agency Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Legitimacy Theory, which collectively explain the monitoring role of corporate boards, the importance of responding to stakeholder expectations, and the need for organizations to maintain legitimacy through transparent disclosure practices. The study adopts an ex post facto research design and utilize secondary data obtained from the annual reports and relevant corporate disclosures of selected listed companies in Nigeria. Panel data regression techniques and moderated regression analysis will be employed to test the proposed relationships and the interaction effect of foreign ownership. The study is expected to contribute to the literature on corporate governance and sustainability disclosure by providing evidence on the conditions under which board attributes influence ESG reporting in an emerging economy. The findings will provides useful insights for corporate managers, investors, regulators, and policymakers seeking to improve ESG transparency and corporate governance practices among listed companies in Nigeria.

Keywords Environmental social governance (ESG) reporting foreign ownership board attributes corporate governance listed companies Nigeria.

Moderating Role of Institutional Ownership on the Relationship Between Corporate Governance Mechanisms and ESG Disclosure of Environmentally Sensitive Industries in Nigeria

Yahaya Musa — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

PhD RESEARCH TITLE DEFENCE PAPER

Moderating Role of Institutional Ownership on the Relationship Between Corporate Governance Mechanisms and ESG Disclosure of Environmentally Sensitive Industries in Nigeria

ABSTRACT
This study examines the moderating role of institutional ownership on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure among environmentally sensitive firms (oil and gas, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and construction) listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). The problem is that ESG disclosure among these firms remains inconsistent and often minimal even as Nigeria transitions from a voluntary IFRS S1/S2 sustainability-reporting regime to mandatory application for Public Interest Entities from 2028; while corporate governance mechanisms are relied upon to close this disclosure gap, their effect on ESG disclosure has not proven uniform across firms, and no prior study has isolated institutional ownership, specifically, as a moderator of a five-mechanism governance construct within this sector. The broad objective is to examine the moderating role of institutional ownership on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms board independence, board gender diversity, audit committee independence, audit committee size, and audit quality and ESG disclosure, alongside specific objectives assessing the direct effect of each mechanism on ESG disclosure. The literature reviewed shows that governance mechanisms and institutional ownership each affect ESG disclosure directly, and that ownership structure defined broadly can moderate the governance disclosure relationship, yet no study has tested institutional ownership specifically against this five-mechanism construct within Nigeria's environmentally sensitive industries. Methodologically, the study adopts an ex post facto, longitudinal panel design, drawing secondary data from audited annual reports, standalone sustainability reports, and the NGX database for a purposively sampled population of NGX-listed environmentally sensitive firms; data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and multicollinearity diagnostics, panel diagnostic tests, and a two-model hierarchical regression following Baron and Kenny's (1986) moderation approach, with ESG disclosure measured through a content-analysis index anchored in the GRI

Keywords: Corporate Governance; Institutional Ownership; ESG Disclosure; Environmentally Sensitive Industries; Nigeria.

Keywords Corporate governance Institutional ownership ESG Disclosure Environmentally Sensitive Industries

Sustainability Reporting and Firm Value of Listed Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria: The Moderating Role of Corporate Governance

Bello Idris Sambo — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Sanusi Bello Sambo — Airforce Institute Of Technology

This study examines the effect of sustainability reporting on the firm value of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria, with corporate governance serving as a moderating variable. The study is motivated by increasing concerns over environmental degradation, social responsibilities, transparency, and the need for oil and gas companies to provide relevant sustainability information to investors and other stakeholders. Specifically, the study examines the effects of environmental reporting, social reporting, and governance reporting on firm value and determines whether board independence strengthens or weakens these relationships. The study will adopt correlational research design and use secondary data obtained from the annual reports and sustainability reports of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria over a seven-year period (2018 – 2025). Sustainability reporting will be measured using disclosure indices developed from relevant environmental, social, and governance reporting items, while firm value will be measured using Tobin’s Q. Board independence will serve as the moderating variable. Panel regression techniques will be employed to analyse the data and test the formulated hypotheses. The study is expected to provide evidence on whether sustainability disclosures contribute to the market valuation of Nigerian oil and gas companies and whether effective corporate governance enhances the value relevance of such disclosures. The findings will be useful to corporate managers, investors, regulators, accounting professionals, and other stakeholders in improving sustainability reporting practices and corporate governance mechanisms within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Keywords Sustainability Reporting Environmental Reporting Social Reporting Governance Reporting Firm Value Board Independence Oil and Gas Companies Nigeria.

The effect of board charateristics on sustainability related voluntary disclosure quality of Listed non financial firms in Nigeria 2021 to 2025

Andrew Joy — Ahmadu Bello University

The effect of board charateristics on sustainability related voluntary disclosure quality of Listed non financial firms in Nigeria from 2021 to 2025

Keywords Sustainability related voluntary disclosure non financial firms board charateristics

The Effect of Firm Attributes on Environmental, Social, and Governance Disclosure Quality of Listed Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria

Asmau Ummi Usman — Ahmadu Bello University

Tesleem Adeyemi — Ahmadu Bello University

This study examines the effect of firm attributes on the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure quality of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Using correlation research design and secondary data drawn from annual and sustainability reports, the study employed Robust Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression on a strongly balanced panel of 49 firm-year observations. ESG disclosure quality was measured using a self-constructed 45-item index based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards. The results reveal that firm size and profitability have positive and statistically significant effects on ESG disclosure quality, while leverage and firm age are not statistically significant. The findings support agency theory, stakeholder theory, and legitimacy theory, indicating that larger and more profitable firms disclose more comprehensively due to greater visibility, resource capacity, and the need to maintain social legitimacy. The study recommends that larger and more profitable oil and gas companies continue to strengthen their ESG reporting systems, while regulators should design capacity-sensitive disclosure frameworks that recognise differences in firm scale and financial strength.

Keywords ESG disclosure quality firm size profitability leverage firm age oil gas companies Nigeria.

The impact of corporate governance mechanism on sustainability reporting narrative tone in Nigerian listed manufacturing firms:A machine learning approach

Khalid Shariff — Federal Polytechnic Daura, Katsina State.

Abstract
This study examines the impact of corporate governance mechanisms on sustainability reporting narrative tone in Nigerian listed manufacturing firms using a machine learning approach. The study is motivated by the growing importance of narrative disclosures in communicating corporate performance, risks, governance practices, and sustainability activities, as well as concerns regarding managerial impression management through strategically positive or negative language. Specifically, the study investigates the effects of board size, board independence, board gender diversity, board expertise, audit committee independence, ownership concentration, and foreign ownership on six dimensions of narrative disclosure tone: positive, negative, uncertainty, litigious, constraining, and superfluous tone. The study is anchored on agency theory and upper-echelon theory. Sustainability narratives contained in annual reports of listed manufacturing firms will be analysed using machine learning and natural language processing techniques, with the Loughran and McDonald financial sentiment framework providing the basis for tone classification. Panel regression techniques, complemented by robustness tests using system Generalised Method of Moments, will be employed to examine the hypothesised relationships. The study is expected to contribute to the literature by providing evidence from an under-researched emerging-market context and demonstrating the usefulness of machine learning in examining the governance determinants of sustainability reporting narrative tone.

Keywords Corporate governance Sustainability reporting Narrative disclosure tone Machine learning

The impact of green banking disclosure quality and the cost of equity capital of listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Igbudu Raphael — Abu

ABSTRACT
This study examined the effect of green banking disclosure quality on the cost of capital of listed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the effects of Green Human Resource Management Disclosure Quality, Green Finance Disclosure Quality, Green Reporting Disclosure Quality, Green Audit Disclosure Quality, Green Building Disclosure Quality, Natural Resource Conservation Disclosure Quality, Waste Elimination Disclosure Quality, Green Products and Services Disclosure Quality, Employee Rights Disclosure Quality, Stakeholder Awareness Disclosure Quality, and Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Quality on the cost of capital. To achieve these objectives, an ex post facto research design was adopted. Furthermore, the population comprised all thirteen (13) listed DMBs on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) as at 31 December 2025. A census sampling technique was employed, resulting in a balanced panel of 156 bank-year observations covering 2016–2025. In addition, data were obtained from audited annual reports, sustainability reports, governance reports, NGX publications, and regulatory documents. The study utilized a UNEP (2021)-based disclosure checklist comprising 88 disclosure items as the research instrument. Data were analyzed using content analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and panel regression techniques estimated with Stata 17. The findings are expected to reveal that higher-quality green banking disclosures reduce information asymmetry and lower financing costs. Consequently, the study concludes that improved green banking disclosure quality enhances stakeholder confidence and recommends that DMBs strengthen sustainability reporting and disclosure practices to facilitate access to lower-cost capital

Keywords Green Human Resource Management Disclosure Quality Green Finance Disclosure Quality Green Reporting Disclosure Quality Green Audit Disclosure Quality Green Building Disclosure Quality Natural Resource Conservation Disclosure Quality Waste Eliminatio

THE MODERATING ROLE OF AUDIT QUALITY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD ATTRIBUTES AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE INDUSTRIES IN NIGERIA

Perfect Datit Faya — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

ABSTRACT
Environmental disclosure has become a central means of corporate accountability in environmentally sensitive industries, where routine operations carry direct environmental risk. Nigeria has tightened its regulatory expectations through the Financial Reporting Council's 2018 Code of Corporate Governance and the Nigerian Exchange Group's Sustainability Disclosure Guidelines, yet disclosure among listed firms in these sectors remains inconsistent and inadequate. Existing studies have examined the direct effects of a narrow set of board attributes on disclosure but have paid little attention to how external assurance quality conditions that relationship, or to what board reputation and board political composition contribute. This study addresses that gap. The broad objective is to examine the moderating role of audit quality on the relationship between six board attributes, board size, independence, gender diversity, committees, reputation, and political composition, and environmental disclosure among environmentally sensitive firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Anchored on agency, stakeholder, resource dependence, and legitimacy theories, the study adopts an ex post facto, longitudinal panel design covering twenty-one NGX-listed firms in oil and gas, cement, chemicals, beverages, food processing, and agro-processing over 2018–2025. Data will be sourced from audited annual reports, sustainability reports, and the NGX database, with environmental disclosure measured through GRI-based content analysis and audit quality proxied by Big-4 engagement. Analysis proceeds through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, panel diagnostic tests, the Hausman specification test, fixed- and random-effects panel regression, and hierarchical moderated regression. The study is expected to establish audit quality as an external-assurance moderator of the board-attribute–disclosure relationship and to extend the literature by incorporating board reputation and political composition, with implications for regulators, boards, and investors on reinforcing audit-quality requirements alongside board-composition reform.

Keywords Environmental disclosure board attributes audit quality environmentally sensitive industries Nigeria.

The moderating role of Board Independence on the nexus between sustainability reporting, credit risk and corporate financial performance of Deposit Money Bank in Nigeria.

Bojo Abdullahi — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

ABSTRACT
This study examines the moderating role of board independence on the nexus between sustainability reporting, credit risk, and financial performance of deposit money banks (DMBs) in Nigeria from (2015 to 2026). The Nigerian banking sector continues to confront persistent challenges of asset quality deterioration, corporate governance failures, and financial instability, underscoring the imperative for robust governance frameworks and transparent reporting mechanisms. Sustainability reporting has emerged as a transformative corporate practice, shifting focus from purely financial metrics to encompass environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, while credit risk remains the most significant risk faced by DMBs, historically contributing to bank distress and failures in Nigeria. The study is anchored on an integrated theoretical framework comprising agency theory, stakeholder theory, resource dependence theory, and signalling theory, offering a comprehensive lens for understanding governance-performance relationships in Nigeria's evolving banking context. Credit risk is proxied by using non-performing loan (NPL) ratio, loan loss provisions (LLPs), and insider lending. The study adopts a descriptive research design and the population comprises all deposit money banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group, from which a purposive sample is selected based on continuous listing and data availability during the study period. Financial performance is measured using Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Tobin's Q, while sustainability reporting is measured using a comprehensive disclosure index aligned with GRI guidelines and the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and S2). Board independence is measured as the proportion of independent non-executive directors. Diagnostic tests, including multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and instrument validity tests, are conducted to ensure the robustness of the findings. Control variables include firm size, board size, leverage, liquidity, and firm growth.

Keywords Keywords: Sustainability Reporting Board Independence Credit Risk Non-Performing Loans Loan Loss Provisions Insider Lending Financial Performance ESG Disclosure IFRS Sustainability Standards

The moderating role of industry environmental sensitivity on the relationship between CEO traits, Board structure and sustainability disclosure of listed firms in Nigeria.

Abubakar Musa — Federal University Dutse Jigawa State

ABSTRACT
This study investigates effect of CEO traits, Board structure on sustainability disclosure and examines the moderating role of the industry environmental sensitivity on the relationship between CEO traits, Board structure and sustainability disclosure of listed firms in Nigeria. Specifically, the study focuses on selected CEO traits, including CEO tenure, age, duality, international experience and board structure, such as board size, gender diversity, independence, meetings and examine their influence on the extent of sustainability disclosure. The study further investigates whether the presence environmental sensitivity strengthens or weakens the relationship between CEO traits, board structure and sustainability disclosure. The study will adopt an ex-post facto research design using secondary data obtained from the annual reports and sustainability reports of listed companies in Nigeria. Panel data covering the selected study period of eleven years (2015 to 2025) will be analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including regression analysis. The study is expected to contribute to the literature by providing evidence on how CEO traits, board structure influence sustainability disclosure and by highlighting the potential moderating role of environmental sensitivity. The findings are expected to be useful to regulators, corporate boards, investors, and other stakeholders in promoting and improved environmental transparency and corporate sustainability practices in Nigeria.

Keywords Environmental sensitivity CEO traits Board structure Sustainability disclosure firm size.

Value Relevance of Governance Sustainablilty Reporting of Listed Insurance Firms in Nigeria

Aisha Oluwakemi Oba — Ahmadu Bello University Zaria

Aisha Nuhu Mohammed — Department Of Accounting Faculty Of Management Sciences Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Value Relevance of Governance Sustainability Reporting of Listed Insurance Firms in Nigeria
Aisha Oluwakemi Oba and Aisha Nuhu Mohammed
Department of Accounting
Faculty of Management Sciences
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

*Correspondence concerning this paper should be addressed to Aisha Oluwakemi Oba using the following email: obaaisha1@gmail.com

Abstract
Despite increasing governance related sustainability reporting by listed insurance companies in Nigeria, it remains unclear whether such reports convey value relevant information to investors. Therefore, this study examined the value relevance of governance sustainability reporting of listed insurance firms in Nigeria. Value relevance, which was proxied using share price, was thus examined in relation to governance sustainability reporting as well as default metrics such as earnings per share and book value per share. Governance sustainability reporting was measured using the GRI 4 governance indicators. The study used a quantitative approach and a correlational research design to while population of the study consisted of eighteen (18) insurance firms that are listed throughout the period 2015 - 2024. Extracted data was then analyzed using fixed effect (VCE) robust regression. The findings show that both EPS and governance sustainability reporting have a significant but negative effect on the share prices of listed insurance firms in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends that investors should not rely only on earnings per share when making investment decisions but also consider other industry specific financial metrics. Furthermore, in evaluating governance sustainability reporting, investors should place greater emphasis on substantive governance indicators such as board independence rather than the extensiveness of the disclosure.
Keywords: value relevance, share price, earnings per share, book value per share, governance sustainability reporting

Keywords Value relevance share price earnings per share book value per share governance sustainability reporting

Digital Transformation and Financial Reporting Timeliness of Listed Firms in Nigeria

Sadiya Haruna — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

This study will examine the effect of digital transformation on the timeliness of financial reporting among listed firms in Nigeria. Despite regulatory requirements and enforcement measures by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), delays in the submission of financial reports remain a persistent concern, with more than 30 listed firms reportedly sanctioned for late filing of their 2025 financial statements and average audit report lags estimated at approximately 70–72 days. Although digital transformation is increasingly reshaping corporate reporting processes, there is limited empirical evidence on its specific effect on financial reporting timeliness among listed firms in Nigeria. Drawing on the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model and Agency Theory, the study will conceptualise digital transformation using five dimensions:IT investment intensity, ERP system integration, advanced technology adoption, digital governance, and cybersecurity readiness. The study will employ secondary data obtained from the annual reports, corporate disclosures, and NGX filings of listed firms over the study period. Financial reporting timeliness will be measured using audit report lag, defined as the number of calendar days between a firm’s financial year end and the date of the independent auditor’s report. The analysis will employ descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, panel regression techniques, multicollinearity diagnostics, and the Hausman specification test, with appropriate robust standard errors where necessary. The study will control for firm size, leverage, profitability, audit quality, and industry classification. The findings are expected to contribute to the literature on digital transformation and financial reporting by extending existing frameworks. The study is also expected to provide useful insights for regulators, corporate managers, auditors, and policymakers in strengthening digital reporting infrastructure and improving the timeliness of financial reporting in Nigeria.

Keywords Digital transformation Financial reporting timeliness Audit report lag Listed firms Nigeria

PREDICTIVE MODELLING OF REVENUE LEAKAGE IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA: DEVELOPING AN AUTOMATED FRAMEWORK FOR MONITORING INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE SYSTEMS

Tajudeen Fatiu — Ahmadu Bello University

Dr. Haruna Musa Muhammed — Department Of Accounting, Faculty Of Management Sciences Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Mohammed, Ma’arufah Abdulmalik — Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

ABSTRACT
Revenue leakage remains a significant challenge confronting public institutions, particularly in the generation, collection, recording, reconciliation and reporting of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Despite increasing adoption of electronic revenue collection systems, public institutions may continue to experience revenue losses arising from collection delays, reconciliation differences, manual adjustments, transaction reversals, inappropriate waivers and discounts, weak internal controls and inadequate monitoring. Conventional approaches to revenue monitoring are largely reactive and often depend on periodic reconciliation, management review and audit procedures, which may limit timely identification of emerging leakage patterns. This study therefore proposes to develop an automated predictive framework for monitoring and predicting revenue leakage in selected public institutions in Northwestern Nigeria. The study will examine the influence of collection delays, reconciliation differences, manual adjustments, transaction reversals, waivers and discounts, internal-control effectiveness, digital revenue collection, monitoring frequency and transaction volume on revenue leakage. The study will adopt a mixed-methods research design. Primary data will be collected through structured questionnaires and interviews involving relevant accounting, revenue, audit and ICT personnel, while secondary data will comprise historical IGR transaction records and related financial information obtained from selected public institutions. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis will be employed for the quantitative analysis, while selected predictive techniques, including logistic regression, decision tree, random forest and gradient-boosting models, will be compared based on appropriate predictive-performance measures. The study is expected to identify significant predictors of revenue leakage and develop a validated model capable of classifying transactions according to their level of leakage risk. The proposed automated framework will integrate IGR data, predictive analytics, risk scoring and automated alerts to support proactive revenue monitoring, reconciliation and internal audit. The study is expected to contribute to public-sector accounting literature and provide a practical data-driven mechanism for improving revenue accountability and financial control in public institutions.

Keywords Revenue Leakage Internally Generated Revenue Predictive Modelling Public Institutions Internal Control.

The impact of digital accounting information system on the performance of listed international banks in Nigeria

Bello Muaz — Ahmadu Bello University

The study investigates the impact of digital accounting information systems on the financial performance of listed international banks in Nigeria. The study uses cloud computing , block chain technology and artificial intelligence as a proxies for digital accounting information system.
The study is grounded on the resource based view (RBV) and technology acceptance model (TAM),which provide complementary-explanations on how technological resources and their acceptance can influences organizational outcomes
The study adopts a quantitative research approach and an ex post facto research design, using secondary data obtained from the archival annual reports and financial statements of the sampled banks over the study period. Cloud computing, Block chain technology and Artificial intelligence are operationalised using continous variables measures derived from the content of the banks’ annual reports ,while financial performance would measured using earnings per share.
The data would be subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including correlation and regression analysis .
The study is expected to contribute to the body of knowledge on digital accounting information system by providing evidence on the extent to which technology-enabled accounting practices are associated with financial performance in Nigerian international banking sector

Keywords Digital accounting information system cloud computing blockhain technology artificial intelligence international banks

Accounting for Economic Uncertainty

Accounting Technology Adoption and Integrated Financial Management Efficiency in Tertiary Healthcare Institutions

AI-Driven Auditing and Fraud Detection Effectiveness: Evidence from Federal Universities in North-Western Nigeria

DETERMINANTS OF ACCOUNTING POLICY CHOICES OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

EFFECT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING PRACTICES, INTERNAL CONTROL EFFECTIVENESS, AND AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARACTERISTICS ON FRAUD PREVENTION IN LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Effect of Forensic Accounting Techniques, Digital Infrastructure, Enforcement, Auditor Competence And Inter-Agency collaboration on Tax Fraud Detection in Nigeria

EFFECT OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL EFFICIENCY COMPONENTS ON FINANCIAL REPORTING TIMELINESS AMONG LISTED NON-FINACIAL SERVICE FIRMS IN NIGERIA: THE MODERATING ROLE OF AUDIT COMMITTEE EXPERTISE

EFFECT OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING QUALITY ON ETHICAL ACCOUNTABILITY ON LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Firm Financial Conditions and Cash Holdings of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Fiscal Transparency, Public Accountability, and Voluntary Tax Compliance in Nigeria.

Moderating effect of board independence on the relationship between tax planning and financial performance of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria

MODERATING ROLE OF CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL RISK AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

MODERATING ROLE OF DIVIDEND POLICY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CEO COMPENSATION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Moderating Role of financial leverage on the Association lbetween board characteristics and financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria

Moderating role of fiscal exchange on public governance quality and voluntary tax compliance of the informal sector operators in Kaduna state, Nigeria

THE IMPACT OF FUEL DEREGULATION AND GOVERNMENT FUNDING REALLOCATION ON FEDERAL HOSPITAL IN KADUNA STATE.

Climate Change Disclosure and Reporting

BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND CARBON EMISSION DISCLOSURE: EVIDENCE FROM LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Initiatives and Commuter Accessibility in Developing Cities: A Case Study of Kaduna State

Driving Eco-Innovation through Intangibles: Intellectual Capital Efficiency and Green Investment in Nigerian Logistics Companies

Effect of Debt Financing on Environmental Sustainability Disclosure Quality of Listed Non-Financial Firms in Nigeria.

Effect of Risk Management Committee Attributes on IFRS S2 Disclosure of Listed Climate-Sensitive Non-financial Firms in Nigeria By SANI DANLAMI P25BSAC9027 A Research Title Submitted to the Department of Accounting Faculty of Management Sciences

ESG DISCLOSURE QUALITY AND FIRM VALUE THE MODERATING ROLE OF INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP AMONG LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

Impact of Climate-Transition Risk Disclosure on Upstream Oil and Gas Asset Valuation: Evidence from Listed Oil and Gas Firms in Nigeria

Mediating effect of firm value on board Dynamics and climate change Reporting of Early adopters companies in Nigeria

Moderating role of Institutional ownership on the relationship between firm specific attributes and environmental disclosure quality of Listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria

The Moderating Effect of Net Zero Transition on the Relationship between Firm Characteristics and Profitability of the Listed Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria

Comparative Corporate Governance

Board Attributes and Tax Avoidance among Listed Non-Financial Service Firms in Nigeria: The Moderating Role of Institutional Ownership

BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND FRAUD DETECTION IN NIGERIAN DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS (2012–2023)

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING QUALITY AMONG LISTED COMPANIES IN NIGERIAN

Effect of Board Attributes on Tax Avoidance of Listed Multinational Companies in Nigeria.

EFFECT OF BOARD REMUNERATION COMMITTEE ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA: A MODERATING ROLE OF AUDIT COMMITTEE

Managerial Ownership, Institutional Ownership, and Firm Value: Evidence from Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

MODERATING EFFECT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE INDEPENDENCE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

MODERATING EFFECT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERTISE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD CHARACTERISTICS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

MODERATING EFFECT OF BOARD INDEPENDENCE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUDIT FIRM CHARACTERISTICS AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY OF LISTED DMBs IN NIGERIA (2018-2025)

MODERATING ROLE OF AUDIT COMMITEE FINANCIAL EXPERTISE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD ATTRIBUTES AND RISK DISCLOSURE OF LISTED FINANCIAL SERVICE FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

Moderating Role of Board Control on the Relationship between Audit Committee Dynamics and Going Concern Audit Opinion of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.

Ownership Structure and Firm Value: Evidence from Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

THE HUMAN–TECHNOLOGY NEXUS IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD DIGITAL EXPERTISE IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BOARD HUMAN CAPITAL AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

The moderating role of audit quality on the relationship between CEO attributes and financial performance of listed firms in Nigeria.

CSR & Financial Performance

EFFECT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED NON-FINANCIAL COMPANIES IN THE NIGERIA STOCK EXCHANGE

Earnings Management & Fraud

AUDIT QUALITY IND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY:A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF THE MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD FINANCIAL EXPERTISE

EFFECT OF AUDIT ASSURANCE ARCHITECTURE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT FRAUD RISK IN THE NIGERIAN BANKING SECTOR

EFFECT OF BOARD AND AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARACTERISTICS ON FRAUDULENT FINANCIAL REPORTING: EVIDENCE FROM LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

EFFECT OF DIGITAL FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNOLOGIES ON FRAUD DETECTION EFFECTIVENESS OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA: THE MODERATING ROLE OF ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

EFFECT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNIQUES ON FRAUD PREVENTION: EVIDENCE FROM FCT MDA

Effect of Pressure Fraud Risk Factor on Fraudulent Financial Reporting of Listed Consumer Good Firms in Nigeria

EFFECT OF TAX ADMINISTRATION REFORMS ON REVENUE PERFORMANCE OF NIGERIAN REVENUE SERVICE.

Forensic accounting in detecting fraudulent practices in small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria

Impact of Audit quality on mitigating real earnings management of listed deposit banks in Nigeria.rea

Moderating Effect of board independence on the relationship between Chief Executive Officers and Earnings Management Among listed firms in Nigeria.

SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING AND DISCRETIONARY ACCRUALS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD INDEPENDENCE AMONG LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA.

Evolving Accounting Standards & Regulations

Moderating Effect of Institutional Ownership on the Relationship Between Audit Committee Characteristics and Audit Quality of Listed Non-Financial Companies in Nigeria

Global Financial Reporting Standards

Blockchain Disclosure Practices and Financial Reporting Quality of Listed Financial Services firms in Nigeria: Evidence from Annual Reports

EFFECT OF COMPANY CHARACTERISTICS ON AUDIT REPORT LAG OF LISTED OIL MARKETING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA.

MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD STRUCTURE ON FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS HIERARCHY AND ACCOUNTING BASED EARNINGS QUALITY OF LISTED COMMERCIAL BANKS IN NIGERIA

THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT INTEGRATED FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIFMIS) ON PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF KADUNA STATE MINISTRY OF FINANCE.

THE IMPACT OF IPSAS ADOPTION ON HUMAN RESOURCE REPORTING COMPLETENESS IN NIGERIAN FEDERAL MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

Topic THE IMPACT OF BOARD KNOWLEDGE AND GOVERNANCE CAPABILITIES ON INTEGRATED REPORTING QUALITY OF LISTED COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

IFRS Adoption & Convergence

Business Strategy and Maqasid al-Shari’ah-Based Performance of Islamic Banks in Nigeria: The Mediating Role of Board Independence

EFFECT OF IPSAS ADOPTION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF KADUNA STATE

Effect of risk management committee attributes on risk disclosure of listed financial service firms in Nigeria

Impact of Inflation & Recession on Accounting

Fair Value Measurement Under Economic Uncertainty: Evidence from Nigeria's Inflationary and Currency Devaluation Environment

Impact of Inflation Accounting on Business Profit Measurement in a High-Inflation Economy

Measuring & Reporting CSR Performance

Effect of audit attributes on firm value of listed companies in Nigeria

EFFECT OF BOARD CHARACTERISTICS ON INTEGRATED REPORTING PRACTICES OF LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Effect of financial technology on the performance of commercial banks in Nigeria.

IMPACT OF SYNDICATED LOANS ON CORPORATE GROWTH IN NIGERIA; A STUDY OF THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS SECTOR (2020-2025)

Moderating Effect of Operational Efficiency on the Relationship between Integrated Reporting Disclosure and Investors' Returns of Listed Non-Financial Firms in Nigeria

Navigating Economic Uncertainty