DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING

The research study examined the influence of corporate governance mechanisms on the firm performance in Nigeria. Five(5) research question were raised for the study and all were formulated into hypothesis and four(4) were tested. Consequently,related literature on the conceptual review, theoretical framework and empirical review of corporate governance mechanisms and firm performance in respect to board size, board independence, ownership structure, CEO Duality were also discussed adequately in chapter two(2). The ex-post facto research design was used for the study. The instrument used for the collection of data was annually published audited financial statements of banks. Secondary data were obtained from the annual reports gotten from the bank website covering the period 2016-2022. The data collected for the research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics while the hypotheses were analyzed using Stationery (Unit root) test and Panel Data analysis and was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that board size and board independence has a significantly positive relationship on firm performance in Nigeria. The study also found that ownership concentration significantly and negatively affects firm performance in Nigeria.Lastly, the study found a statistically insignificant and positive relationship between CEO duality and firm performance in Nigeria. The study recommended that they should Strengthen Board Independence: Nigerian deposit money banks should continue to prioritize board independence,they should appoint independent directors who are not influenced by the interests of major shareholders or management. This practice can help ensure that corporate governance structures remain robust and that decisions are made in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.

The objective of the study is to assess the effect of tax evasion and avoidance on Nigeria’s economy. This study adopts survey research design. Used Primary data in form of questionnaire to obtain information from respondent. The study finds out that tax evasion and avoidance affect Nigeria’s economy and also tax evasion and avoidance affect government internally generated revenue. The study recommends a series of policy measures, including tax reforms aimed at simplifying the tax system, improving tax compliance, and enhancing transparency. Strengthening tax enforcement and promoting financial education are also critical components of a holistic approach to mitigating the adverse effects of tax evasion and avoidance in Nigeria

The study investigates the relationship between sustainability reporting and financial performance of public limited liability company. The ex-post factor Research designed was adopted for this study. Company in the financial sector was adopted for the scope of this study. The data used in this study were obtained from a secondary sources (Nigeria exchange group, company websites and sustainability reporting index). The Research make use of post –Regression analysis including Descriptive Statistics, correlation analysis and normality test.
Moreover, the least square regression analysis was also carried out. Sustainability Reporting where proxy by Economic activities disclosure, social activities disclosure, and environmental activities disclosure. The findings of the post Regression analysis revealed that sustainability reporting proxy by economic activities has a positive and significant effect on financial performance, this indicate that companies with high level of economic disclosure tend to have better financial performance.
The study concludes that sustainability reporting must be incorporated by company in order to increase their financial performance. the study hereby recommends the following Company should integrate sustainability reporting into business strategy. firms should seamlessly integrate sustainability initiatives into their overarching business strategy, viewing sustainability as a core element of their mission and values, this alignment will foster more impactful and meaningful sustainable practices.

This study investigates the effect of internal control mechanisms on fraud prevention among listed companies in Nigeria, focusing on four components of the COSO framework: control environment, risk assessment, information and communication, and monitoring. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 384 respondents across listed firms in Edo State using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, variance inflation factor (VIF) tests, and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable. The findings revealed that control environment, risk assessment, information and communication, and monitoring each had significant positive effects on
fraud prevention, with all variables collectively explaining 57.2% of the variation in fraud prevention outcomes. These results underscore that strong ethical leadership, systematic risk identification, transparent communication, and continuous monitoring significantly enhance fraud deterrence. The findings align with Agency Theory, which emphasises the role of governance structures in mitigating opportunistic behaviour, and with Deterrence Theory, which highlights the importance of certainty and consistency in discouraging fraud. Social Norms Theory also provides complementary insights, showing that awareness and shared values foster compliance with anti-fraud practices. The study concludes that internal controls are not merely regulatory requirements but strategic mechanisms that safeguard corporate assets and promote stakeholder trust. It recommends that listed companies strengthen ethical standards, integrate risk assessment frameworks, enhance whistleblowing and reporting systems, and adopt technology-enabled monitoring to improve fraud prevention. Regulators are encouraged to intensify oversight and ensure compliance with internal control standards.

The advent of digital technologies has significantly transformed the landscape of taxation and revenue collection. This project investigates the impact of digitalization on tax systems, focusing on how digital tools and platforms can enhance efficiency and compliance while addressing challenges such as tax evasion and administrative complexity. The study uses a questionnaire to extract data from correspondents through the adoption of the sampling technique combining qualitative interviews with tax professionals and quantitative analysis of digital taxation models in various jurisdictions. The research reveal that digital taxation, including the use of e-filing systems, online tax payments, artificial intelligence and digital tax records, can streamline revenue collection processes, reduce errors, and improve taxpayer engagement. However, challenges such as data security, the digital divide, and the need for updated regulatory frameworks remain significant. This study recommends that Governments should invest in robust digital platforms and cybersecurity measures to support efficient and secure tax.Also Government should enhance training and support for tax payers to facilitate smoother transitions to digital systems by adapting tax laws and regulations to keep pace with technological advancement which is crucial for maintaining effective and fair taxation

Tax avoidance is viewed as a legal strategy employed by companies to reduce their corporate tax payments to the government. This practice over the years has contributed to an unending disparity between targeted tax revenues and the actual amounts collected by the government, thereby hindering the countries progress by depriving government of the essential funds required for development. Against this backdrop, this study aims to examine the determinants of tax avoidance amongst listed insurance companies in Nigeria. It specifically assessed the impact of selected firm characteristics(firm size, firm profitability, leverage and firm age) on tax avoidance among the listed insurance companies in Nigeria. This study employed the ex-post facto research design and secondary (panel) data extracted from the audited annual report of twenty-one (21) insurance companies listed in the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) covering the period from 2012 to 2021(10 years). The secondary data collected were analyzed using a fixed effect panel regression technique. The findings revealed that firm size (FSIZE), firm profitability (ROA) have a negative but statistically non-significant influence on ETR, while firm age (AGE) has a negative and statistically significant influence on ETR, but leverage(LEV) has a positive but statistically non significant influence on ETR . Thus, the study recommends among others that tax administrators should focus more on older firms and less on younger firms because it found that older firms have more incentive to engage in tax malpractices.

The study empirically investigates the relationship between tax planning and firm value in Nigeria. The study covered a period of ten years (2011-2020) using data for nine listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. Five variables (effective tax rate, tax savings, firm size, leverage and capital intensity) were used as the explanatory variables. The panel least squares technique was specifically employed to examine the nexus between these explanatory variables and firm value in Nigeria. The empirical results revealed that: effective tax rate has a negative and insignificant relationship with firm value of oil and gas firms in Nigeria; tax savings has a negative and significant relationship with firm value of oil and gas firms in Nigeria; capital intensity has a positive and insignificant relationship with firm value of oil and gas firms in Nigeria; leverage has a positive and significant relationship with firm value of oil and gas firms in Nigeria; and firm size has a positive and significant relationship with firm value of oil and gas firms in Nigeria. Against the backdrop of the foregoing findings, the study recommended the maximization of tax deductions that will lower their tax rates as well as increasing leverage ratios for oil and gas companies in Nigeria.

The study examined the impact of CEO domination and growth opportunities on the audit feespaid by Nigerian Commercial banks between 2015 and 2020.The secondary data sources wasemployed as extracted from the annual financial report of thirteen (13) listed commercial bankswhich made up the sample of the ordinary least square regression technique was employedfor theanalysis with the aid of Eviews 10 econometrics computer software. The result shows that CEOdirected- dominated boards and growth opportunities have a significant relationship withaudit fees. On the other hand, it was discovered that there exists no significant relationshipbetweenindependent boards and audit fees. The study recommends that non-executive directorsareincluded in the board of directors companies should engage in less complicated transactions, theboard should consist of members of diverse background, and an internal audit department shouldbe established

This study seek to examine the relationship between corporate governanceandfinancial reporting quality of selected listed non-financial firms in the Nigerianexchange group (NGX), the focus was on the non-financial sector which comprisesof consumer goods, healthcare, and industrial goods firms. .The study regressedthedependent variable – Financial Reporting Quality on the Independent variables–Board Gender Diversity, Board Size, Board Independence and OwnershipConcentration. A sample of twenty-nine (29) listed non-financial firms from the period of 2018–2023were examined using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regressiontechniques were used to analyze the data in order to achieve the research objectives. This study employed the Ordinary Least Square Method and the empirical resultsrevealed that there is a positive significant linear relationship between the Boardindependence, Board gender diversity and ownership concentration with Financial reporting quality, while the study also revealed that board size has a negativesignificant ef ect on financial reporting quality. The study recommends amongst others that management should assess the trade-of sbetween having a larger board with diverse expertise and a smaller board withmoreef icient decision-making. Also, they should consider potential downsizing ef ortstostreamline board operations and improve financial reporting quality and managersshould ensure that concentrated ownership does not lead to excessive influenceorconflicts of interest that could compromise financial reporting quality. Keywords: Board independence, board gender diversity, board size, ownershipconcentration, financial performance, and financial reporting quality

This study examines the determinant of corporate social responsibility in Nigeria on selected quoted companies. The broad objective of the study is to examine the determinants of CSR on corporate entities. The study also examines the relationship between company size, profitability, industry type, institutional ownership, audit firm and leverage. The population consists of 30 quoted companies in the Nigeria capital market. Data collected was analyzed using the descriptive statistics while hypotheses formulated were tested using the ordinary lease square method. The findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between the extents of CSR disclosed and firm size. There is also a positive relationship between profitability and CSR. Industry type was found to have a negative relationship. Institutional ownership was also found to have a negative relationship, also Audit type was found to have a negative relationship. Leverage whichis the last variable was found to have a positive relationship on corporate social responsibility. The study also recommended among others that there is need for regulatory agencies to develop a CSR and environmental responsibility framework that forces considerably on responsiveness and irresponsiveness respectively