DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING

The concept of audit fee has received immense empirical investigation in the literature both in the developed and developing countries. However, these vast studies have not sufficiently explored the relation of the concept with tax aggressiveness and corporate governance. This study therefore sought to provide empirical evidence as to whether tax aggressiveness and corporate governance mechanisms are significantly associated with audit fee among listed firms in Nigeria. Leaning on the agency and stakeholder theories, the study examined the measures of tax aggressiveness of effective tax rate and cash tax rate as well as corporate governance mechanisms of board gender diversity, audit committee diligence, board independence and ownership concentration. The two measures of tax aggressiveness and audit fee were subsequently interacted with moderating corporate governance variable of ownership concentration, the essence of which was to assess ownership concentration and the relationship between tax aggressiveness and audit fee. A sample of one hundred and seven (107) firms from the entire firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as at December, 2018 was utilised. Data were sourced solely from annual financial statements of the studied firms over a ten-year period (2009 to 2018). The panel regression technique, with preference for the random effect model based on the outcome of the Hausman test, was employed to estimate the balanced panel data. The results of the study showed that cash tax rate, audit committee diligence and board independence all exert positive and significant effect on audit fees. Although not statistically significant, the results of this study showed that tax aggressiveness and corporate governance (ownership concentration) have a combined negative effect on the audit fees payable to external auditors by the listed firms in Nigeria. In the light of the findings, the study therefore recommended block ownership, instead of disperse share ownership, as it would give opportunity for effective monitoring of the activities of management. This would help reduce the tendency for opportunistic behaviour, such as tax aggressiveness. The study also recommended an increase in both board independence and frequency of audit committee’s meetings so as to enhance their oversight functions, and promote quality financial reporting and audit.

This study examines the relationship between auditor independence and corporate fraud across 8 Publicly listed companies spanning multiple sectors in Nigeria. The research investigates five key determinants of auditor independence; audit tenure, non-audit services, audit firm rotation, audit firm size, and audit fee dependence, and their impact on fraud detection. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing secondary data from financial statements, audit reports, and corporate filings from 2018 to 2023. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to assess how each factor influences corporate fraud risk. The findings indicate that prolonged audit tenure can either enhance fraud detection by improving auditors’ understanding of clients or impair independence due to familiarity threats. The provision of non-audit services was found to significantly increase fraud risk, as financial dependence on additional consulting engagements compromises auditors' objectivity. Mandatory audit firm rotation was associated with reduced fraud risks by introducing fresh perspectives and minimizing complacency, although frequent rotations posed transitional challenges. The study also found that audit firm size had an inconclusive effect on fraud detection, with Big Four firms benefiting from greater regulatory scrutiny but still susceptible to financial incentives. Furthermore, audit fee dependence was strongly linked to increased fraud risks, as auditors reliant on a single client’s fees were less likely to issue adverse opinions. The study concludes that strengthening auditor independence through stricter regulatory enforcement, mandatory firm rotation, and limitations on non-audit services is essential for mitigating corporate fraud. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, auditors, and corporate governance bodies to enhance financial reporting integrity and fraud prevention mechanisms in Nigeria

The increased complexity of the society and high level of competition in the business world has
made it imperative for entertainment industries to utilize proper accounting systems in order to
survive the volatile business climate. This research work studied accounting and the
entertainment industry. It aimed to display the effect of accounting on the entertainment
industry with emphasis on the Nigerian entertainment industry, Nollywood. The main objective
of this study was to investigate how good accounting report has affected the entertainment
industry’s growth. And also to investigate and report the financial and decision making
problems associated with entertainment industries that do not keep proper accounting records. The methodology adopted were simple percentage and chi-square statistical methods to
deduce general statement about the key effect of professional accounting on the survival of the
entertainment industry. The findings reveal that accounting is a major tool in measuring the
efficiency and performance in all entertainment industries. The recommendation put forward
was that all organizations under the entertainment industry should employ the use of
professional accountants to help keep adequate accounts. There should also be a conducive
environment in every entertainment industry to support the work of accountants.

This study examined the relationship between foreign exchange rate fluctuations and corporate profitability using panel data of thirteen commercial banks listed on the Nigeria Exchange Group for the period 2018–2022. The variables considered were corporate profitability proxied by return on capital employed and return on assets, exchange rate, inflation rate and interest rate. The study carried out a histogram normality test, Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey test of heteroskedasticity, Ramsey RESET model specification test, serial correlation test, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The F-statistics indicated that all the explanatory variables taken together are statistically significant. The regression result revealed that exchange rate has a positive and statistically insignificant relationship with return on capital employed and return on assets. The study recommended that government should formulate policies that are consistent in controlling exchange rate fluctuations and that interest rate should be controlled by the government to encourage firms to source external capital for their expansion.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of forensic accounting practices in detecting financial fraud within the public sector, focusing on the Edo State Government in Nigeria. A survey design was employed, with a stratified random sample of 200 respondents selected from a population of 400 government officials, auditors, and forensic practitioners. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using linear regression with SPSS 23.0. The results indicate that stringent government regulations, higher incidences of embezzlement, and the integration of digital forensics tools significantly enhance the effectiveness of forensic accounting in detecting fraud. Additionally, robust internal controls are essential for successful fraud detection. The study recommends strengthening regulatory oversight, investing in digital forensic tools, improving internal control systems, and fostering collaboration between regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and academia. Future research should explore the role of emerging technologies, such as blockchain, AI, and machine learning, in enhancing forensic accounting practices and examine the long-term impact of regulatory reforms on fraud reduction and governance transparency.

This study examined the effect of automation technologies on auditing practices in Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Specifically, it investigated the impact of Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Robotic Process Automation, Cloud-Based Accounting Systems, and Blockchain Technology on audit efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. A structured questionnaire was administered to accounting and auditing professionals, and 360 valid responses were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that all five automation technologies had significant positive effects on auditing practices, indicating that the adoption of these tools enhances audit quality, reduces human error, and improves compliance with auditing standards. The study concludes that automation technologies are reshaping the auditing landscape, enabling auditors to focus on higher-value analytical tasks. It recommends that SMEs in Nigeria invest in digital audit tools and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen audit processes and maintain competitive advantage in a technologydriven environment.

This study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between sustainability disclosures and banks' financial performance in Nigeria. In other that the objective in this research work might be achieved, research design employed in this study is the longitudinal research design.The population for this research work includes secondary data from annual reports of selected banks obtained from the Nigeria Stoke Exchange facts book from 2017 to 2023.The study finds that governance disclosure has a negative and non-significant relationship with Return on Assets but a positive and significant relationship with Return on Equity, while Social disclosure has a negative and non-significant relationship with Return on Assets,Return on Equity. Additionally the study also finds that environment disclosure has a positive and non-significant relationship with Return on Equity but a negative and significant relationship with Return on Assets. In light of these findings the study recommends that banks in Nigeria should adopt rationales for prudent venture and financial policies and make appropriate operational choices, in an effort to accomplish its set goals towards creation of income, augmenting profits and accomplishment of investors' objectives. The study further recommends that in the course of banks' lending activities to customers, active interest should be shown in knowing cumulatively what the customer's business is that the bank is financing. Finally the study recommends that to improve corporate governance, the value of the stock ownership of board members must be put in mind, since it relates positively to both the probability of disciplinary management turnover and future operating performance in poorly performing banks.

This study investigated sustainability reporting with focus on environmental, social and governance in relation to the corporate financial performance among listed companies in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the influence of environmental, social responsibility and corporate governance disclosure on corporate financial performance. A total
of eighty-three (83) companies in agriculture, consumer goods, industrial goods, healthcare, oil and gas, and deposit money bank constituted the population while forty-five (45) companies formed the sample size. The statistical tools employed include descriptive statistics and panel least square regression. The study found that environmental and social disclosures have no significant influence, but have positive relationship with corporate financial performance, while corporate governance has significant positive relationship with corporate financial performance. The study recommended that companies should engage in environmental, social responsibility and corporate governance activities for the interest of various stakeholders

This study examines the relationship between board diversity and the financial performance of firms in Nigeria. It explores how diverse board characteristics such as gender, age, expertise, and background influence firm profitability and overall financial health. The study made use of secondary data which were generated from the annual report of companies listed in my exchange group for the period 2020-2024. The data generated were analysed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression techniques. The study found among others that board diversity does not have a significant impact on firm performance in the Nigerian Manufacturing sector. By implementing inclusive governance practices and reforming institutional frameworks, Nigerian manufacturing firms can unlock the full potential of board diversity to enhance innovation, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

The broad objective of this study is to examine the effect of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure on the performance of distressed and non-distressed manufacturing firms in Nigeria over a five-year period from 2019 to 2023. To achieve this objective, the study employed ESG disclosure and its components as explanatory variables, while firm performance was measured using return on assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q. The study adopted an ex-post facto and descriptive research design using panel data obtained from the annual reports of selected manufacturing firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, diagnostic tests, and panel least squares regression techniques were used for data analysis. The results reveal that ESG disclosure has a positive and statistically significant effect on both accounting-based and market-based performance measures across all firms. However, the effect is stronger among non-distressed firms, indicating that financially stable firms are better positioned to benefit from sustainability practices. The findings further show that leverage has a negative influence on performance, while firm size contributes positively to financial outcomes. Based on these empirical insights, the study recommends that manufacturing firms should strengthen their ESG reporting processes and integrate sustainability strategies into their operations to enhance competitiveness and long-term value creation. Policymakers and regulatory bodies should also encourage standardized ESG reporting frameworks to improve disclosure quality and stakeholder confidence within the sector.