FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

This study considered the influence of credit risk management on the financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Data for the study was collected from investigated annual financial report spanning 2020 to 2024. The banks investigated includes First Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Wema Bank, Unity Bank, First City Monument Bank, Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank. The fixed effects and random effects regression procedures were applied on panel data and the Hausman test diagnostic technique was applied on the random effect regression output to determine the most efficient estimate which was selected for analysis. The estimation was carried out using E-view 9.0 econometric software. This study found that credit risk management negatively and significantly influence the financial performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Precisely, non-performing loan, loan loss provision among others negatively and signficantly impact the financial performance of deposit money banks. Based on these findings, this study recommends that bank manager should intensify action to minimize the rate of non-performing loan because of the risk it poses to financial performance and that banks should limit the amount set aside as loan loss provision because it diminishes the fund that would have been available for credit creation, thus depressing financial performance.

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.

This study examined the impact of accounting expertise and auditing procedures on the sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State, Nigeria. The purpose was to determine how accounting knowledge, professional auditing practices, and the adoption of standard financial systems influence SME performance, operational ef iciency, and long-term survival.
The study employed a structured questionnaire administered to 100 SME owners, managers, and accounting personnel selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data and determine the relationship between accounting expertise, auditing procedures, and SME sustainability.
Findings revealed that accounting expertise has a significant positive ef ect on SME financial performance (p < 0.05), while auditing procedures significantly enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability (p < 0.05). Despite these benefits, many SMEs still face challenges such as inadequate expertise, high cost of professional services, poor record- keeping culture, and weak regulatory enforcement. The study recommends regular training for SME operators, promotion of af ordable auditing services, increased awareness of accounting standards, and the adoption of digital accounting systems to support transparency and longterm business growth

The term business refers to an organization or enterprising entity engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities (Adam Hayes 2023). The purpose of a business is to organize some sort of economic production of goods or services. Businesses can be for-profit entities or non-profit organizations fulfilling a charitable mission or furthering a social cause. Businesses range in scale and scope from sole proprietorships to large, international corporations. Sustainability disclosure dates back to the historical beginnings of environmental reporting (Glendanique, 2017). The first sets of environmental reports were published in the late 1980s by companies in the chemical industry which had serious image problems, for instance, a huge PVC producer was denied permits to develop a site near Houston after residents organized to block the plant. Officials who supported the project privately conceded that the company and industry’s image as dangerous and greedy made the difference in blocking what technically was an unobjectionable proposal

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has become an important framework in today’s business world. It focuses on three key areas environmental, social, and governance which together encourage organisations to act responsibly and build longterm value. Closely related ideas such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability share this same goal of promoting ethical and sustainable business practices. The environmental aspect of ESG is about caring for and protecting the natural environment recognising it as a vital gift that should be managed responsibly. The social aspect focuses on people and communities, highlighting issues such as employee wellbeing, community support, and social equity. The governance aspect, on the other hand, deals with how an organisation is managed and controlled, including leadership integrity, transparency, and accountability. Every organisation aims to improve its financial performance, as this is essential for growth and long-term success. Organisational resilience refers to how strong and adaptable a company can be when faced with challenges, while organisational behavioural change involves adopting the right attitudes and practices needed to achieve business goals.

The study is on the impact of capital structure on the performance of quoted insurance firms in Nigeria. The study adopted the panel data regression method. The outcome of the study revealed that total debt to total assets ratio has a negative significant impact on performance of Nigerian insurance firms, short-term debt to total assets ratio has a positive significant impact on performance of Nigerian insurance firms, long-term debt to total assets ratio has a negative significant impact on performance of Nigerian insurance firms. The study however recommends that in order to continue to be profitable and competitive, top management of every insurance company needs make wise financial decisions. In order to finance their operating activities, listed insurance companies must step up their efforts to rely more on internally generated money.