DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING

This study examined the effect of Tax Policy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows
in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the moderating role of tax concessions. Using annual time-series data spanning 1994-2024, the study employed a short-run
Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework to analyse the dynamic relationships
between major tax policy instruments, tax concessions, and foreign direct investment. The
analysis focused on Company Income Tax (Cit), Customs and Excise Duties (Ced), Petroleum
Profit Tax (Ppt), Value Added Tax (Vat), and Tax Concessions (TAXC), while controlling for
exchange rate movements (EXR) and corruption rating (COR).The results of the Augmented
Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root tests showed that the variables attained stationarity at different
levels, while the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds tests indicated the absence of
cointegration and a long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables, thereby justifying
reliance on short-run dynamic estimation. The empirical findings from the baseline model revealed that CIT, CED, PPT, VAT, and
TAXC do not exert statistically significant direct short-run effects on foreign direct investment
inflows in Nigeria. However, the results of the moderated model indicate that TAXC
significantly moderate the relationships between CIT and FDI, as well as between VAT and FDI. These findings indicate that tax concessions function more effectively as complementary fiscal
instruments that condition the impact of selected taxes rather than as standalone investment
incentives. In contrast, tax concessions were found not to significantly moderate the effects of
CED or PPT on FDI.

This study investigated the relationship between board attributes and financial reporting quality among listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The board attributes examined include board independence, board gender diversity, board meeting frequency, board size, and multiple committee membership. Discretionary accruals were employed as proxy for financial reporting quality, while firm-specific characteristics such as profitability, firm size, and audit fees were included as control variables. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design. The sample consists of a census of all twenty (20) consumer goods companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) over a 12-year period (2013–2024), resulting in a final sample of 232 unbalanced firm-year observations. The study adopted a fixed effect panel regression technique, with model selection justified using the Hausman specification test. The empirical results revealed that board independence, board gender diversity, and board meeting frequency have insignificant relationship with financial reporting quality. Bboard size exhibits a positive and significant relationship with discretionary accruals, suggesting that larger boards are associated with lower financial reporting quality. Multiple committee membership is found to have a negative and significant relationship with discretionary accruals, indicating that overlapping committee membership enhances financial reporting quality. Among the control variables, profitability and firm size are negatively and significantly related to discretionary accruals, while audit fees show a positive and significant relationship. The study suggests that board members serve on more than one committee to ensure effective oversight function, but caution should be exercised to avoid overwhelming a board member with work load.

The relationship between firm attributes and sustainability reporting has become a critical area of study as organizations increasingly face pressure to demonstrate their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. This research explores how various firm attributes, including size, industry type, financial performance, corporate governance structure, and stakeholder orientation, influence the extent and quality of sustainability reporting. The study examines how larger firms with greater resources are more likely to engage in comprehensive sustainability reporting, while also considering the role of regulatory frameworks and external pressures from consumers, investors, and advocacy groups. Additionally, it investigates how the transparency and credibility of sustainability reports are shaped by internal governance mechanisms and organizational culture. By understanding the interplay between these attributes, the study provides insights into how firms can leverage sustainability reporting not only as a tool for accountability but also as a strategic asset for long-term value creation and competitive advantage.

This study investigated the factors that influence earnings management decisions in firms quoted on the Nigeria exchange group; while the study specifically examined the extent to which director’s shareholdings can positively determine earnings management; examine if share prices have significant effect on earnings management; determine if the adoption of IFRS has significantly influenced the level of earnings management; evaluate the extent to which political co nnections can influence earnings management decision; and determine the effect of tax aggressiveness on management decision to swap real activity earnings manipulation for accrual manipulations. The quantitative method of data analysis was adopted in the study. The population of this study comprised all companies quoted in the non-financial sector of the Nigerian Exchange Group as at 2024. Descriptive and inferential data analysis methods were adopted to present and analyze data. A significant relationship exists between tax aggressiveness and discretionary accrual management, and a non-significant relationship exists between tax aggressiveness and real activity earnings management in the non-financial firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange; and also, a non-significant and positive relationship exists between directors’ shareholdings and discretionary accrual manipulations, and a significant and negative relationship exists between directors’ shareholdings and real activity earnings management. Therefore, the study recommends that, corporate regulators in Nigeria should always watch out for high possibility of real activity earnings management in tax avoidance companies

The study examined the relationship between audit quality and earnings management in selected manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study focuses on four major indicators of audit quality, namely audit firm size, audit tenure, audit fee, and audit independence. Data used for the study were obtained from the published annual report of selected manufacturing firms, while regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at 5% level of significance. The findings showed that audit firm size has a significant negative effect on earnings management, as indicated by a t-value of -2.240854 and a probability value of 0.0162. this implies that larger audit firms help in reducing earnings management manipulation because of their experience, competence, and reputation. The results also revealed that audit tenure has a significant negative relationship with earnings management with a t-value of -1.078057 and a p-value of 0.2828, suggesting that auditors who have spent more time with a client are better able to understand the firm operations and detect irregularities. In addition, audit fee was found to have a significant positive effect on earnings management, with a t-value of 2.44459 and a pvalue of 0.0264. This suggests that high audit fees may affect auditor may affect auditor’s objectivity and increase the tendency for earnings manipulations. Audit independence also showed a significant relationship with earnings management, with a t-value 2.1407 and a p-value of 0.0340, indicating that weak auditor independence may encourage earnings management practices. The study concluded by audit quality plays an important role in reducing earnings management among manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study therefore, recommended stronger regulatory monitoring, improved auditor independence, and the engagement of competent audit firms to improve the quality of financial reporting.

The study examined the relationship between audit quality and earnings management in selected manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study focuses on four major indicators of audit quality, namely audit firm size, audit tenure, audit fee, and audit independence. Data used for the study were obtained from the published annual report of selected manufacturing firms, while regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at 5% level of significance. The findings showed that audit firm size has a significant negative effect on earnings management, as indicated by a t-value of -2.240854 and a probability value of 0.0162. this implies that larger audit firms help in reducing earnings management manipulation because of their experience, competence, and reputation. The results also revealed that audit tenure has a significant negative relationship with earnings management with a t-value of -1.078057 and a p-value of 0.2828, suggesting that auditors who have spent more time with a client are better able to understand the firm operations and detect irregularities. In addition, audit fee was found to have a significant positive effect on earnings management, with a t-value of 2.44459 and a pvalue of 0.0264. This suggests that high audit fees may affect auditor may affect auditor’s objectivity and increase the tendency for earnings manipulations. Audit independence also showed a significant relationship with earnings management, with a t-value 2.1407 and a p-value of 0.0340, indicating that weak auditor independence may encourage earnings management practices. The study concluded by audit quality plays an important role in reducing earnings management among manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study therefore, recommended stronger regulatory monitoring, improved auditor independence, and the engagement of competent audit firms to improve the quality of financial reporting.

The study examines the influence of the digital economy on the effectiveness of tax administration in Nigeria. Despite the rapid growth of Nigeria’s digital sector—valued at over ₦150trillion in transactions by 2020—the nation’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains one of the lowest in Africa, at about 6%. This paradox underscores inefficiencies in traditional tax administration and highlights the need for digital transformation. The research employed a survey design, drawing data from 100 respondents comprising staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), State Internal Revenue Services (SIRS), registered taxpayers, and tax consultants. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire validated by experts, with reliability confirmed via Cronbach’s Alpha (0.78). Descriptive statistics, Chi square tests, and multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that the digital economy significantly enhances tax administration effectiveness by improving transparency, expanding the tax base, and reducing opportunities for corruption and leakages. Technology infrastructure was found to play a vital role, though challenges such as poor internet connectivity and weak system integration persist. Furthermore, a strong positive relationship was established between digital economy adoption and tax revenue performance, indicating that greater digital inclusion promotes sustainable revenue mobilization. The study concludes that while Nigeria has made progress through digital tax reforms, infrastructural and awareness gaps still hinder full optimization. It recommends increased investment in ICT infrastructure, improved taxpayer sensitization, and stronger institutional capacity to leverage digital tools for efficient and transparent tax administration

This study examines the effect of firm-specific attributes on the financial reporting quality of banks in Nigeria, focusing on firm size, profitability, board independence, audit committee effectiveness, and leverage. Anchored on Agency Theory, Signaling Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, the study explores how internal characteristics influence managerial incentives, stakeholder communication, and governance mechanisms to ensure transparent and reliable financial reporting. Using panel data from 12 Nigerian deposit money banks over the period 2018 to 2023, the study employed the Fixed Effect Method for estimation alongside Hausman tests, residual cointegration tests, and cross- section dependence tests to analyze the relationships between variables. The findings indicate that firm size and leverage negatively affect financial reporting quality, while profitability, board independence, audit committee effectiveness, and ownership positively influence reporting quality. Hypothesis testing revealed that firm size and leverage significantly impact reporting quality, whereas profitability, board independence, and audit committee effectiveness demonstrate strong positive relationships with high- quality disclosures. These results align with previous empirical studies and reinforce the importance of governance mechanisms and firm characteristics in promoting credible financial reporting. The study recommends strengthening internal governance structures, optimizing board and committee composition, and enhancing managerial accountability to improve financial reporting quality in Nigerian banks. Keywords: financial reporting quality, firm-specific attributes, board independence, audit committee effectiveness, leverage, firm size, profitability, Nigerian banks, Fixed Effect Method

This study examined the effect of stress antecedents (workload, budget attainability, budget emphasis, role conflict, and leadership behaviour) on audit quality among auditors in Nigeria. A quantitative survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 120 auditors across audit firms in Nigeria using a structured questionnaire. The study employed descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, and mean to summarize respondents’ demographic characteristics and perceptions of the study variables. The study finds that auditors experience significant stress from heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and simultaneous client engagements. Budget attainability and leadership behaviour showed positive and significant effects on audit quality, indicating that realistic budgets and supportive leadership enhance audit performance. Conversely, workload, budget emphasis, and role conflict exhibited significant negative effects on audit quality. The regression model showed that the combined stress antecedents explained 50.7% of the variance in audit quality. The study recommends improved workload distribution, realistic budgeting, moderated emphasis on time budgets, reduced role conflict, and strengthened leadership practices.

The general objective of this study is to the effect of audit firms’ tenure on the financial reporting quality of firms operating in Nigeria. Specifically, this study investigated the impact of short-term audit tenure, long-term audit tenure, audit partner rotation, audit firm rotation and audit fees on the financial reporting quality of firms operating in Nigeria.
The study used panel data considering the 10 largest companies from all the sectors on the Nigeria Exchange Group covering the period 2020 to 2024 for the analysis, the data was sourced fromannual report of the firms considered. Various statistical and econometric tool were applied to analyze the data and this include preliminary tests and descriptive statistics, autocorrelation Test, heteroskedasticity Test, normality test, correlation analysis and panel data analysis. The results revealed that audit partner rotation and audit fees have statistically significant influence on the financial reporting quality. While short-term tenure, long-term tenure and audit firm tenure have a statistically insignificant influence on financial reporting quality.

Based on the findings, the study recommended that regulators and firms should not overly emphasize limiting auditor engagements to short period, firms should strike a balance between auditor familiarity and independence and firms and regulators continue to enforce periodic rotation of audit partners.