C. A. OKAFOR

This study examined the influence of audit characteristics on the financial reporting quality ofdeposit money banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange. The main objective was to assess theeffects of audit firm tenure, audit firm size, and non-audit services on the credibility andransparency of financial reports. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design and utilizedecondary data collected from annual reports of twelve listed banks covering the period 2016 to2023. The data were analysed using panel regression analysis with robust standard errors toaccount for heteroskedasticity. The study finds that audit firm tenure has no significant impact on financial reporting quality, ndicating that the duration of auditor-client relationships does not independently determineeporting outcomes in the Nigerian banking sector. However, audit firm size showed aignificant positive relationship with financial reporting quality, suggesting that larger auditfirms contribute to higher transparency and reliability due to their extensive expertise andtronger regulatory oversight. Additionally, non-audit services exhibited a significant positiveeffect on financial reporting quality, implying that when properly managed, these services canenhance auditors’ operational understanding and improve audit effectiveness rather thancompromise independence. The study concludes that audit firm size and non-audit services are critical determinants offinancial reporting quality among Nigerian deposit money banks, while audit firm tenure plays aimited role. The study recommends that regulators encourage the use of reputable large auditfirms and implement guidelines to manage non-audit services effectively to strengthen overallaudit quality and financial transparency in the sector

This study investigates the impact of corporate sustainability committees (CSCs) on corporate financial performance (CFP) among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria from 2018 to 2023. The research examines four major characteristics of sustainability committees: size, independence, gender diversity, and due diligence, and their influence on financial performance measured by Return on Assets (ROA). Anchored on Stakeholder Theory, the study adopts a longitudinal research design using secondary data derived from annual reports, sustainability disclosures, and financial statements of 30 purposively selected firms. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, diagnostic tests, and Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS) regression were employed to analyse the data and establish relationships among variables. The empirical findings reveal that committee independence has a significant positive effect on corporate financial performance, implying that independent directors enhance governance quality and decision-making transparency. In contrast, due diligence practices exhibit a significant negative relationship with financial performance, suggesting that increased compliance efforts may impose short-term financial costs. Committee size and gender diversity, however, show no statistically significant influence on financial performance, indicating that structural and demographic attributes alone may not determine financial outcomes. The study concludes that sustainability committee independence is a crucial determinant of financial success, as it strengthens accountability and stakeholder confidence. The study recommends that firms prioritize appointing independent directors to sustainability committees, implement cost-effective compliance strategies, and view gender diversity as part of broader corporate social responsibility initiatives to promote both sustainable and profitable corporate governance.

This study investigates the relationship between corporate board diversity and the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Conducted within the context of governance reforms and performance challenges in the sector, the research examines how national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity influence Earnings Per Share (EPS), which was adopted as the measure of financial performance. An ex-post facto research design was employed, using panel data extracted from the annual reports of twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were applied to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that ethnic and age diversity exert significant positive effects on EPS, while national and gender diversity show statistically insignificant influences. The results indicate that board heterogeneity in certain dimensions enhances shareholder value, though some forms of diversity remain underutilized in Nigeria’s corporate governance framework. The study concludes that meaningful representation across diversity dimensions can strengthen decision- making and improve financial outcomes, especially in a highly regulated and capital-intensive industry. The study recommends that regulators and policymakers enforce inclusive governance policies that encourage balanced board representation, while companies should adopt strategic diversity practices that integrate ethnicity, age, gender, and nationality to enhance performance and competitiveness.

This study investigates the relationship between capital structure components and corporate financial performance in Nigerian firms, focusing on the consumer goods sector listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). Specifically, it examines the influence of equity capital, short-term debt, long-term debt, and working capital on financial performance, using Return on Assets (ROA) as a key performance indicator. The study adopts a descriptive research design, utilizing secondary data from audited annual reports of 13 consumer goods firms over a five-year period (2019-2023). Findings indicate that equity capital and short-term debt have a significant positive impact on firm profitability, suggesting that a strong equity base and effective short-term debt management are crucial for financial stability and growth. However, long-term debt showed a negative but statistically insignificant relationship with performance, while working capital had a positive but insignificant effect. The study recommends that firms strengthen equity financing, optimize short-term debt, and reduce excessive long-term debt reliance. It also calls for improved working capital management and government policies to reduce borrowing costs for SMEs. The study contributes to capital structure theory in emerging markets, offering insights for financial managers, policymakers, and investors in Nigeria

This study investigates the relationship between corporate board diversity and the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Conducted within the context of governance reforms and performance challenges in the sector, the research examines how national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity influence Earnings Per Share (EPS), which was adopted as the measure of financial performance. An ex-post facto research design was employed, using panel data extracted from the annual reports of twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were applied to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that ethnic and age diversity exert significant positive effects on EPS, while national and gender diversity show statistically insignificant influences. The results indicate that board heterogeneity in certain dimensions enhances shareholder value, though some forms of diversity remain underutilized in Nigeria’s corporate governance framework. The study concludes that meaningful representation across diversity dimensions can strengthen decision- making and improve financial outcomes, especially in a highly regulated and capital-intensive industry. The study recommends that regulators and policymakers enforce inclusive governance policies that encourage balanced board representation, while companies should adopt strategic diversity practices that integrate ethnicity, age, gender, and nationality to enhance performance and competitiveness.

This study investigates the relationship between corporate board diversity and the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Conducted within the context of governance reforms and performance challenges in the sector, the research examines how national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity influence Earnings Per Share (EPS), which was adopted as the measure of financial performance. An ex-post facto research design was employed, using panel data extracted from the annual reports of twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were applied to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that ethnic and age diversity exert significant positive effects on EPS, while national and gender diversity show statistically insignificant influences. The results indicate that board heterogeneity in certain dimensions enhances shareholder value, though some forms of diversity remain underutilized in Nigeria’s corporate governance framework. The study concludes that meaningful representation across diversity dimensions can strengthen decision- making and improve financial outcomes, especially in a highly regulated and capital-intensive industry. The study recommends that regulators and policymakers enforce inclusive governance policies that encourage balanced board representation, while companies should adopt strategic diversity practices that integrate ethnicity, age, gender, and nationality to enhance performance and competitiveness.