CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FIRM PERFORMANCE IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR IN NIGERIA

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Abstract
This study examines the impact of capital structure on firm performance among oil and gas firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) from 2014 to 2023. Given the capital-intensive nature of the industry, understanding the relationship between debt and equity financing is crucial for optimizing financial performance. The study employ sanex-post facto research design, relying on secondary data sourced from annual financial
reports, the NGX database, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
A panel data regression model is used to assess the effect of key capital structure variables—debt-to-equity ratio, debt ratio, equity ratio, and long-term debt to assets ratio—on firm performance, measured through Return on Assets (ROA) and market
value. The study applies descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel regression techniques, using the Hausman test to determine the appropriate model (Fixed Effects or Random Effects). Diagnostic tests are also conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the regression results.
Findings from the study are expected to provide empirical evidence on how leverage influences financial performance, offering insights for corporate managers, investors, and policymakers in optimizing capital structure decisions. The study contributes to existing literature by incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, which have gained prominence in corporate financing decisions.
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