DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING

This study examined the effect of Accounting Information System (AIS) on audit quality among selected commercial banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The study covered eleven (11) listed banks for a five-year period (2020–2024), yielding fifty-five (55) balanced panel observations. Secondary data were obtained from the audited annual reports of the sampled banks, while analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and the Panel Least Squares (PLS) regression technique with EViews 13. The dependent variable was Information and Communication Technology Expenditure (ICTEXP), used as a proxy for AIS investment, while Audit Quality Index (AQI), Profit After Tax (PAT), and Return on Assets (ROA) served as explanatory variables. The empirical results revealed that ICT expenditure had a negative but statistically insignificant relationship with audit quality (β = –0.0021, p = 0.6398). Similarly, Profit After Tax (PAT) exhibited a negative and insignificant effect (β = –0.0010, p = 0.3667). In contrast, Return on Assets (ROA) showed a positive but weakly significant relationship with ICT expenditure (β = 54.7659, p = 0.0584). The coefficient of determination (R² = 0.106) indicated that approximately 10.6% of the variation in audit quality was explained by the model. The study concludes that ICT expenditure, as a measure of AIS, does not significantly improve audit quality in Nigerian banks unless properly integrated into the audit process and supported by auditor competence.
Accounting Information System and audit quality in the Nigeria banking industry It is therefore recommended that banks align ICT investments with audit objectives, enhance auditor digital literacy, and adopt automated audit tools to strengthen transparency and reliability in financial reporting. The findings contribute to existing literature by emphasizing that the effectiveness of AIS in improving audit quality depends more on implementation strategy and human capital than on the magnitude of technology expenditure.

This study examines the impact of internal control systems on the financial performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. With the increasing complexity of business operations and the prevalence of financial irregularities, internal control mechanisms have become essential tools for enhancing accountability, operational efficiency, and corporate governance. The research adopted a survey design using primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected manufacturing firms. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine the relationship between internal control componentssuch as control environment, risk assessment, control activities, monitoring, and information & communicationand financial performance indicators. Findings revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between effective internal control systems and the financial performance of manufacturing firms. Firms with well-structured control systems tend to exhibit better financial outcomes, reduced fraud risks, and improved resource utilization. The study concludes that robust internal control systems play a crucial role in enhancing financial performance. It recommends that manufacturing firms invest in strengthening their internal control frameworks to ensure sustainable financial growth and compliance with regulatory standards

This study investigates the impact of audit committee characteristics on financial reporting quality among selected oil and gas firms in Nigeria, covering the period 2019 to 2023. The research examines key audit committee attributes, including independence, size, financial expertise, and meeting frequency, while controlling for firm size. Secondary data were collected from annual reports of the sampled firms and analyzed using EViews 13. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of the variables, followed by correlation analysis, diagnostic tests, and multiple regression analysis to test the formulated hypotheses. The results indicate that audit committee independence has a significant positive impact on financial reporting quality, enhancing transparency and reliability of financial statements. Conversely, audit committee size, expertise, and meeting frequency do not exhibit statistically significant effects, suggesting that mere structural attributes without active monitoring and effective governance practices may not improve reporting quality. Diagnostic tests confirm the absence of multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, and non-normality, affirming the validity of the regression results. The findings underscore the critical role of independent audit committees in promoting high-quality financial reporting in the Nigerian oil and gas sector and provide practical insights for policymakers and corporate governance stakeholders seeking to strengthen oversight mechanisms.

This research investigates the effects of tax evasion and tax avoidance on Nigeria’s economic development, focusing on how these practices undermine government revenue, fiscal stability, and national growth. Taxation remains a major instrument for resource mobilization and economic management in developing nations, yet Nigeria continues to struggle with low tax compliance and weak revenue performance. Despite multiple tax reforms and the introduction of modern administrative frameworks, the Nigerian economy still suffers from pervasive evasion and avoidance, largely driven by legal loopholes, corruption, and ineffective enforcement mechanisms. The study adopted a survey research design, using structured questionnaires distributed to 100 staff members of State Boards of Internal Revenue across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square (X²) tests to determine the relationship between tax evasion, tax avoidance, and economic development. The key variables examined included loopholes in tax laws, government spending perception, effectiveness of tax audits, and the impact of lawmaking and tax administration. Findings revealed that tax evasion and tax avoid ance have significant negative effects on economic development. Specifically, legal loopholes in tax legislation, weak enforcement capacity, and poor accountability in the use of public funds contribute to persistent revenue losses. Respondents also indicated that inadequate taxpayer education and corruption within taxagencies fur ther erode public trust and compliance. Consequently, the government’s ability to
finance infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other developmental programs is severely constrained, leading to economic stagnation and increased inequality. The study concludes that curbing tax evasion and avoidance is essential for achieving sustainable development in Nigeria. It recommends that the government strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks, digitalize tax administration processes, enhance transparency in public spending, and intensify taxpayer enlightenment campaigns. Furthermore, the study suggests stronger collaboration among tax authorities, financial institutions, and international bodies to curb profit-shifting and illicit financial flows by multinational corporations. Implementing these measures will promote voluntary compliance, increase revenue generation, and support inclusive economic growth in Nigeria.

This study examined the determinants of corporate liquidity management among listed Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) from 2013 to 2023. Using an ex-post facto research design, data were collected from audited financial statements, directors’ reports, and corporate governance disclosures of thirteen purposively selected stable banks. Panel regression analysis with the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) model was employed, and robustness tests-including Breusch-Godfrey LM, VIF, and ARCH tests-ensured reliability and validity of the findings. The results indicate that firm size and leverage positively and significantly influence liquidity management, while management quality, capital adequacy, and investment opportunities negatively and significantly affect liquidity. Asset quality and cash flow volatility were found to be insignificant, whereas financial distress positively enhances liquidity management. These outcomes align with the Liquidity Preference, Pecking Order, and Trade-off Theories, highlighting that strategic, structural, and financial factors, rather than operational variability, drive liquidity management in Nigerian banks. The study contributes to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on liquidity determinants, validating theoretical frameworks, and offering practical guidance for bank managers and regulators. It recommends optimizing managerial and investment decisions, leveraging financial structure, maintaining adequate capital buffers, and ensuring financial stability to sustain liquidity. These findings inform policy and strategic interventions aimed at strengthening banking sector resilience in Nigeria.

One of the major challenges Nigerian banking industry is facing today is how to curb fraud occurrence. Therefore, the study investigated the effects of internal control system on fraud prevention in Nigerian banking sector. The study emphasis was on the adequate of internal control system in the area of risk management, control supervision, control environment and information management and technology for fraud prevention. To evaluate the effectiveness of the control systems, survey research design was employed. The population of the study consist of the senior staff in the twenty two (22) commercial banks in operations in Nigeria. The instrument used for the study was structured questionnaire. The research questions were answered and the hypotheses generated were tested using statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings showed a positive and significant relationship between internal control system and fraud prevention. A positive and significant relationship between risk management, control environment, information management and technology on fraud prevention. However, the study found a positive but non- significant relationship between control supervision and fraud prevention. The study recommended a proactive risk management among banks. Special trainings for senior staff on red flags to fraud occurrence and best approach to handle them. Banks must invest heavily in anti-fraud software and latest hardware gargets that can create awareness of impeding fraud for both staff and customers and build a strong resistance to protect bank database. Nigerian banks must fortify its internal control system to meet the realities of today; this will help to eliminate all loopholes and gaps which arise due to changes in procedures, practices, and technology and government policies that have impacts on banking industry.

This study evaluated the impact of sustainability reporting on financial
performance of listed companies in the industrial and consumer goods sector on the Nigerian Exchange Group from 2018 to 2022. The study was carried out by extracting data from the annual reports for the period on which the descriptive statistics test, correlation analysis and the panel regression analysis were used. Sustainability reporting was represented by economic disclosure, environmental disclosure, and social disclosure, and three research hypotheses were formulated from each of the variables. The result of the findings revealed that all the variables (economic disclosure, environmental disclosure, and social disclosure) had a positive and significant
relationship with financial performance in the selected entities. The study recommends that companies should develop a national sustainability reporting framework for consistent reporting across Nigerian companies, listed entities should integrate sustainability into their corporate strategy and decision-making, investors should consider sustainability disclosures in investment decisions, and educational institutions should incorporate sustainability reporting into curricula to build relevant skills.

This study examines the impact of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cashless policy on fraud reduction within the Nigerian banking sector. Introduced in 2012, the cashless policy aimed to modernize Nigeria’s financial system by reducing cash-based transactions and promoting electronic payment systems such as ATMs, POS terminals, internet, and mobile banking. The study investigates whether this transition has effectively minimized fraud or simply transformed its nature from physical to digital. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 100 respondents comprising bank staff, customers, and other stakeholders through structured questionnaires. Chi-square statistical analysis was employed to test the formulated hypotheses. Findings reveal that the cashless policy has significantly improved transaction efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced traditional forms of fraud such as cheque forgery and cash theft. However, challenges such as poor network infrastructure, low digital literacy, and rising cases of electronic fraud persist. The study concludes that while the cashless policy has contributed positively to fraud reduction in Nigerian banks, its full potential can only be realized through stronger cybersecurity measures, improved infrastructure, and continuous public awareness campaigns. It recommends that the CBN and commercial banks intensify investment in digital security systems and customer education to strengthen confidence in cashless transactions

This study investigates the determinants of tax compliance in Nigeria, focusing on tax morale, trust in government, moral ethics, tax knowledge, tax rates, and the system of tax payment. Utilizing a comprehensive data analysis approach with a sample size of 100 .The research examines the influence of these variables on taxpayer behavior. The findings reveal that while tax compliance is relatively high among Nigerians, there is significant distrust in government institutions. Moral ethics positively influence tax compliance, although this relationship is not statistically significant. Conversely, increased tax knowledge is associated with lower tax compliance, suggesting that better-informed taxpayers may exploit loopholes or become more critical of the tax system. Tax rates have a positive and significant impact on compliance, indicating that perceived fairness in tax rates encourages adherence to tax obligations. The system of tax payment, while positively related to compliance, does not show a statistically significant impact. These insights suggest that enhancing tax compliance in Nigeria requires a multifaceted strategy that includes building trust in government, promoting ethical standards, designing effective tax education programs, and ensuring fair tax rates. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers and highlights areas for further research to deepen the understanding of tax compliance dynamics in Nigeria

The objective of the study is the effects of digital economy on tax collection. In generating data, the primary source of data was employed through the administration of questionnaires. We found out that enforcing tax compliance affects digital economy, Cross border transactions affects digital economy and size and growth of the digital economy, including e-commerce, digital services, and online advertising affects the collection of taxes.
The study makes the following recommendations that government should strengthen to foster collaboration with other tax jurisdictions in database management. Government should reconsider the option of taxing digital economic activities on revenue base tax instead of profit base tax to avoid tax evasion strategies. In addition, sustaining and encouraging the use of digital platforms through the creation of an enabling environment among the industry players could also be imperative.