244 research outputs found
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GOVERNANCE, DIGITAL FINANCIAL INNOVATIONS, AND GREEN GROWTH: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF FINTECH ON CARBON NEUTRALITY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Full text linkThis study examines the interplay between natural resource dependence, fintech development, and fiscal policy in shaping carbon neutrality outcomes in developing economies over the period 2000 to 2023. Utilizing panel data econometric techniques, including fixed effects and dynamic panel models, the analysis reveals that fintech innovation significantly contributes to reducing carbon emissions by enhancing financial inclusion and promoting green investments. Conversely, excessive reliance on natural resources exacerbates environmental degradation, while prudent fiscal policies and institutional quality mitigate these adverse effects. The findings underscore the critical role of digital financial infrastructure and sound governance in advancing sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Policy recommendations advocate for targeted fintech promotion alongside resource management reforms to achieve carbon neutrality goals in emerging markets
THE INTERMEDIATING ROLE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY IN THE MICROFINANCE SUSTAINABILITY NEXUS: EVIDENCE FROM WOMEN-LED SMES IN NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study examines the interconnected roles of microfinance access and financial literacy in enhancing business sustainability among women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. Drawing on cross-sectional survey data from 3,421 women entrepreneurs across urban and peri-urban regions, the study employs a mediation analysis within an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) framework, supported by bootstrapping procedures and robustness checks using structural equation modelling. The empirical findings reveal that access to microfinance significantly enhances business sustainability, while financial literacy independently contributes to sustainability outcomes. Importantly, financial literacy mediates the relationship between microfinance and business sustainability, with a statistically significant indirect effect, validated by the Sobel test and bootstrapped confidence intervals. Control variables such as age, education, and business location further contextualize the findings. These results highlight the critical role of cognitive and educational capabilities in translating access to finance into sustainable business performance. Policymakers and development practitioners are encouraged to embed financial literacy training within microfinance schemes and develop targeted programs for rural and underserved populations. Future research should adopt longitudinal and experimental designs to validate causality and assess sectoral and digital moderating factors in the financial empowerment of women entrepreneurs
EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF THE MANAGEMENT OF CREDIT RISK, MARKET RISK AND LIQUIDITY RISK ON THE PERFORMANCE OF BANKS IN NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study examines the impact of credit risk management, market risk management, and liquidity management on bank profitability, with Earnings per Share (EPS) serving as the key performance measure. Using panel data and employing both fixed and random effects models, the analysis finds that credit risk indicators specifically, the ratio of non-performing loans to loans and advances (NPLLA) and the ratio of loan loss provisions to total assets (LLPTA) - have a significant negative effect on bank earnings. In contrast, measures of financial intermediation efficiency, such as the loans-to-deposits ratios (LATD and TDLA), show a positive and significant relationship with EPS. Market risk, particularly foreign exchange volatility (FER), negatively influences profitability, while liquidity management indicators, aside from bank size (BKS), are not significant predictors of EPS. The Hausman test confirms the suitability of the random effects model, which provides a stronger explanatory power. The findings highlight the critical importance of robust credit risk management, effective foreign exchange risk mitigation, and strategic bank growth in enhancing earnings performance. Policy implications suggest that banks should strengthen risk assessment practices, regulators should enforce higher supervisory standards, and strategic consolidation in the sector should be encouraged. Overall, the study offers valuable insights for both practitioners and policymakers aiming to improve the financial health and stability of the banking sector
CASH MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY AMONG FEDERAL MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS, AND AGENCIES IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkCash misappropriation allegations have rocked the public sector, and this has continued to threaten the accountability obligation of the government. To redeem their image, governments have continued introducing policies to reduce financial leakages and promote accountability in the management of public funds. This study, therefore, investigates the effect of cash management policies on accountability in federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Ondo State, with a focus on policies such as the treasury single account system, the government integrated financial management information system, and the integrated personnel payroll information system.The study employed a primary data method through the administration of a questionnaire. The study adopted a survey research design to obtain information. The population of the study consists of 385 directors and heads of federal ministries, departments, and agencies in Ondo State with a sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) directors and heads of MDAs, which were selected using a purposive sampling technique because data for the study were directly obtained from the targeted respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as kurtosis, skewness, median, mean, standard deviation, and ordinary least square regression. The study's findings revealed that a treasury single account with a coefficient of 0.5703 and a p-value of 0.0000 positively affected accountability, and increased transparency led to an increase in federal MDA compliance. Government integrated financial information systems with a coefficient of 0.7115 and p-value of 0.0000 measures for cash management policies had a significant effect on accountability, and integrated personnel payroll information systems with a coefficient of 0.6301 and p-value of 0.000 positively impacted accountability.The study concluded that the treasury single account, government integrated financial information system, and the integrated personnel payroll information system significantly influence accountability. The study recommended that government authorities maintain treasury single account policies to increase government revenue because they have positively affected accountability. Also, several measures towards developing sound, effective and efficient government policy on TSA must be implemented in tandem with the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for a sound public sector accounting system
MACROECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS, INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN WEST AFRICA COUNTRIES
Full text linkThe study examined the impact of macroeconomic fundamentals, international trade and economic growth in West African countries. The study utilized secondary data obtained from the World Development Indicators. Static panel regression was adopted to analyze the data obtained for the study. The study revealed that inflation negatively impacts economic growth in West Africa. The study also revealed that trade openness significantly affects economic growth in West Africa. Finally, the study revealed that exports significantly affect economic growth in West Africa. The study concluded that macroeconomic fundamentals and international trade affect economic growth in West Africa. The study therefore recommended that the Government should encourage diversification of export products and target new international markets. Supporting value addition and improving product quality will help reduce dependence on a narrow range of exports and enhance resilience against external shocks
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING COMPETENCIES IN COMBATING PUBLIC SECTOR FRAUD IN MINISTRY OF FINANCE IN NORTHWESTERN NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study examines the effectiveness of forensic accounting competencies, such as communication skills, technological skills, accounting and auditing skills, and auditor’s self-efficacy, in combating fraud in finance ministries in Northwestern Nigeria. The primary objective is to evaluate how these competencies skills contribute to enhancing fraud detection and prevention in the public sector. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to employees in finance ministries, including auditors, accountants, and forensic experts. The data were analyzed using regression techniques, allowing for an in-depth examination of the relationships between the dependent variable (fraud management) and the independent variables. The findings reveal that communication skills, technological skills, and accounting and auditing skills have significant positive effects on fraud management, while auditor’s self-efficacy shows a positive but statistically insignificant relationship. These results underscore the importance of technical and behavioral fraud detection and Prevention competencies in addressing fraud challenges in the public sector. Based on the findings, the study recommends targeted training programs to enhance communication and technical skills, investments in advanced forensic tools, and the implementation of mentoring programs to build confidence among auditors. These measures are essential for strengthening fraud management frameworks and improving public sector accountability and transparency
RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ATTRIBUTES AND PROFITABILITY OF LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA MODERATED BY OPERATIONAL RISK
Full text linkThis study investigates the effect of risk management committee (RMC) attributes on the profitability of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the moderating role of operational risk. The aim is to explore how the size and independence of RMCs influence banks' financial performance, and whether operational risk alters this relationship. The analysis draws on data from a sample of thirteen listed banks over a fifteen-year period (2009–2023), using firm-level financial indicators. The findings reveal that the size of the risk committee does not significantly influence profitability, indicating that simply increasing the number of committee members may not enhance financial outcomes. Conversely, risk committee independence, when moderated by operational risk, shows a significant negative effect on profitability, suggesting that excessive independence without sufficient industry expertise may hinder effective decision-making. Operational risk itself exerts a substantial negative impact on profitability, reinforcing the importance of robust internal control systems and proactive risk governance. Interestingly, while the interaction between committee size and operational risk negatively affects profitability, the interaction between committee independence and operational risk shows a positive influence, highlighting the value of balanced and expert oversight. These findings underscore the need for Nigerian banks to strengthen their risk governance structures and for regulators to implement policies that promote a combination of independence and financial expertise in risk committees. The study recommends that banks prioritize effective operational risk management frameworks to safeguard profitability in the face of growing financial and regulatory challenges
THE EFFECT OF AUDIT FIRM SIZE, TENURE, AND COMMITTEE SIZE ON REGULATORY FILING TIMELINESS OF NIGERIA LISTED FIRMS
Full text linkThe study investigates the effect of audit firm size, tenure, and committee size on regulatory filing timeliness of Nigeria Listed Firms. Regulatory Filing Timeliness is represented with ‘the difference between the financial end to the date in which the auditor signs the financial statements’ while Audit Firm Size, Tenure, and Committee Size are represented with audit firm size, audit tenure and audit committee. Using 42 firms-years longitudinal paneled of 420 observations. Ddescriptive and correlational research design is used. Based on the data's availability at the time of the inquiry, the study used a convenient sampling strategy to gather secondary data. These data cover the years 2012 through 2021 and were compiled from the annual financial reports of these selected companies. Descriptive statistics and panel regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The analysis findings shows that audit firm size, audit tenure and audit committee all has a positive and statistically significant effect on the Regulatory Filing Timeliness of some listed companies in Nigeria. According to the findings, managers should keep in mind that larger audit firms tend to have more resources, expertise and experience will contribute to efficient and timely financial reporting. Similarly, longer audit tenure enhances familiarity, knowledge, and the ability to streamline the audit process, results to more timely reporting and lastly the committee should compose of individuals with diverse expertise and knowledge which will enable them with the necessary resources and support to fulfill their responsibilities effectively
THE EFFECTS OF FIRM ATTRIBUTES ON EARNINGS MANAGEMENT OF QUOTED CEMENT COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study evaluated certain firm attributes (proxied by firm size and audit quality)on earning management of listed cement firms in Nigeria. Secondary data was extractedfrom annual financial statement. A quantitative research design was adopted in the study. The population of the study comprises of all the cement firms listed on Nigerian stock exchange as at 31st December, 2021. As December 31st, 2021, there are 3 listed cement firms in Nigeria: Dangote Cement Plc, BUA cement Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc. The idea behind sampling is to ascertain an adequate size that will represent the total population thereby saving costs and time wastage. The outcome of the study justified firm size (SIZE) has a positive and insignificant relationship with earnings management of listed cement firms (? = 0.0093, t= 1.44, p=0.168). In addition, the study established that audit quality (AQ) negatively and significantly effects on earnings management of listed cement firms in Nigeria (? =-0.0049, t= -2.40, p=0.027). The study recommended that the listed cement firms in Nigeria should consistently engage the services of big4 audit firms have a very huge incentive to maintain a high audit quality which assist in checkmating the operations of the managers and limit the instance of earnings management
TIMELINESS OF FINANCIAL REPORTING AND INVESTMENT DECISION DYNAMICS: EVIDENCE FROM QUOTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA
Full text linkThisstudyexaminedtherelationship between the timeliness offinancialreporting andinvestmentdecisionsofquoteddepositmoney banks in Nigeria.Ex-post facto research design was employed and the sample population is made up of 12 depositmoney banks quoted companies in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The depositmoney banks for the population must have the responsibility to publish its financial statements for the period from 2012 to 2023. The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and ordinary least square (OLS) regression technique.The result shows that the timeliness of financial reporting has a negative and statistically significant relationship with investment decision dynamics of money deposit banks in Nigeria and financial reporting quality has positive and statistically significant relationship with investment decision dynamics of money deposit banks in Nigeria at 5% level.The study recommended that stakeholders of depositmoney banks in Nigeria should set a time limit for the managing director to present the financial report and accounts for the external auditors to report timely, since timeliness of financial reporting has an adverse effect on investment decision dynamics