EMOAREHI ERIKI

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 Effect of Accounting Practices on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. The research focused on how key accounting concepts – internal controls, financial reporting, budgeting practices, and role of support – influence the sustainability, profitability, and the overall performance of SMEs. A structured questionnaire was administered to SME owners and operators, across various sectors. Data collected was analyzed to determine the relationship between accounting practices and financial performance. The findings revealed that strong internal control systems significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce fraud, and also ensure compliance with financial procedures. Financial reporting, when timely and accurate, enhances transparency, helps in the process of decision making, and builds investor confidence in SMEs. Furthermore, Budgeting was found to play a vital role in planning, and evaluation of performance, aiding SMEs manage limited resources more effectively and efficiently. Additionally, the study highlighted the critical role of government support in shaping SME performance through tax incentives or holidays, access to credit, and mandatory adoption of basic financial reporting standards. It also concluded that SMEs with sound accounting practices are better positioned to achieve financial stability, attract invetors, and also contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.

The study examined the impacts of environmental disclosures practices and sustainable performance in the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. Secondary data was retrieved from the corporate annual reports of the sampled companies. Descriptive statistics, ordinary lease square analysis, endogeneity test, fixed and random effect estimation, Hausman tests were all carried out. Regression tests such as normality, multicellinearity, heteroscedasticity and serial correlation were also carried out. The study revealed that profitability exerted a positive and statistically significant impact on environmental disclosure, leverage exerted a negative impact but statistically significant, company size has no significant impact. There is a significant moderating effect of foreign domestic ownership ratio on the relationship between firm size, leverage, financial performance and environmental disclosure. We therefore recommend that firms doing well financially should pay more attention to environmental reporting, firms irrespective of their leverage level should improve their environmental performance; both small and big firms should improve their environmental performance and that, the presence of more
foreign-domestic ownership will lead to more robust disclosures of environmental issues.