Malete Journal of Accounting and Finance
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CORPORATE ESG ACTIVITIES AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY: EVIDENCE FROM LISTED NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA
Full text linkFinancial reporting in Nigeria continues to face challenges such as earnings manipulation, inconsistent disclosures, and weak comparability despite ongoing regulatory reforms. At the same time, global and local stakeholders increasingly demand Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures as part of transparent and credible corporate reporting. This study was undertaken to evaluate how environmental sustainability practices, corporate governance mechanisms, and social responsibility initiatives influence the financial reporting quality (FRQ) of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. An ex-post facto design was employed, using secondary data extracted from annual reports and sustainability disclosures of 84 firms selected using a multistage sampling technique from 106 non-financial companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2018 and 2024. Data were analyzed using panel regression models with appropriate robustness tests. The findings revealed that environmental sustainability, corporate governance, and social responsibility each exert significant positive effects on FRQ, while firm size strengthens these relationships. The study concludes that ESG practices, when genuinely implemented, enhance the credibility, transparency, and comparability of financial reports. It recommends the adoption of standardized ESG disclosure frameworks, stricter enforcement of governance codes, and capacity-building support for smaller firms to improve Nigeria’s financial reporting environmen
DETERMINANTS OF SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkDespite the strategic role of cooperatives in facilitating financial inclusion and socio-economic development in Lagos State, their sustainability remains a major concern. This study investigates the factors that influence sustainable performance among cooperative societies in Lagos State, Nigeria. Employing a quantitative design, data were collected via structured questionnaires from registered cooperatives and analysed using multiple regression. Findings indicate that governance structure, trust among members, membership participation, regulatory framework, and market access significantly enhance sustainable performance. Training and development show a marginally positive effect, while financial management has a significant negative impact, suggesting implementation gaps. Inflation is negative but insignificant, suggesting that robust internal and institutional structures can mitigate macroeconomic pressures. The study concludes that sustainable performance depends on strong governance, trust, stakeholder participation, and enabling institutions. Policymakers such as Lagos State Ministry of Cooperatives and cooperative leaders should focus on capacity-building, governance reforms, and effective financial management to ensure resilience and long-term succes
CAPITAL STRUCTURE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND MARKET VALUE OF NIGERIA LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Full text linkA well-managed capital structure can lower perceived risk and boost market value through increased investor confidence whereas an ineffective capital structure will result into higher risk and lower market value. This research therefore examined the effect of capital structure management practices on the market value of quoted Nigerian manufacturing firms from year 2013 to 2022. Out of the total population of 44 companies, 30 were specifically selected from the consumer products, agricultural, industrial goods, and conglomerate industries using purposive sampling technique. For data analysis, the study used descriptive statistics, panel regression, and correlation analysis. The findings showed that market share prices were significantly impacted by the debt-equity ratio (DER) and financial autonomy rate (FAR), with p-vals. (0.043, 0.021 < 0.05) and t-stat. (-2.02, -2.32), respectively. Additionally, FAR, operating cash ratio (OPR), and DER had a favourable and noteworthy impact on Tobin’s Q, supported by t-statistics and p-values (-2.14, 2.35, 2.42) and (0.032, 0.019, 0.016 < 0.05) respectively. The study comes to the conclusion that the market value of the chosen listed Nigerian manufacturing companies is significantly impacted by capital structure management techniques. It suggests that in order to take advantage of the tax shield, manufacturing firms management should strive for the ideal balance between debt and equity and should utilize cash flow for investment in growth opportunities
ROLE OF TAX INCENTIVES IN PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT: A STUDY OF SMES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
Full text linkSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are widely recognized as critical drivers of economic development, employment generation, and innovation in Nigeria. However, in Lagos State, SMEs continue to face numerous challenges, including high tax burdens and limited government support, which hinder entrepreneurial growth and sustainability. This study investigated the role of tax incentives in promoting entrepreneurial development among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos, Nigeria. Using a sample of 150 respondents, the study examined the effects of three major tax incentive components tax holidays, tax deductions, and capital allowances—on the start-up, growth, and sustainability of SMEs. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using simple linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that tax holidays significantly influenced the early growth of SMEs, tax deductions enhanced their operational performance and reinvestment capacity, while capital allowances positively impacted long-term expansion and sustainability. These results underscore the importance of a well-structured tax incentive framework in supporting entrepreneurial activities. The study concluded that effective and accessible tax incentives play a crucial role in fostering SME development and recommended the expansion, simplification, and strategic implementation of tax relief policies to stimulate entrepreneurship and drive inclusive economic growth in Nigeria
MACROECONOMIC DYNAMICS AND AGRICULTURAL SECTOR PERFORMANCE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SELECTED ECONOMIES IN AFRICA
Full text linkAgriculture is critical to numerous economies, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is essential for the socio-economic advancement of many countries due to its capacity to employ a significant portion of the population and its substantial contribution to national development. Despite its significant contribution to the economy of SSA, the performance of the agricultural sector has been poor in recent years, making it difficult for SSA nations to produce sufficient food needed for food security. Hence, this study investigated the impact of macroeconomic factors on agrarian output in selected African economies. The data for this study are secondary and were sourced from the World Development Indicator databases, covering the period from 2000 to 2023. The research utilised Least Square and the Dumitrescu and Hurlin Panel Causality Tests as estimation techniques. Findings indicated a positive and significant relationship between macroeconomic indicators like exchange rate, bank credit and FDI and agricultural output in the selected countries. Also, results showed a unidirectional causality between macroeconomic factors and agricultural output in the selected countries. Therefore, the study concluded that macroeconomic indicators like foreign direct investment, interest rates, exchange rates, and banking credit significantly impact agricultural output in emerging African economies. Consequently, the study recommended that governments in the selected countries should further strengthen and enhance the various components of macroeconomic conditions due to their significant impact on agricultural outputs in the selected economies
IMPACT OF AWARENESS OF DEEPFAKE USAGE IN MARKETING CAMPAIGNS ON CONSUMER PERCEIVED BRAND AUTHENTICITY
Full text linkIn today’s digitally driven marketing landscape, the emergence of deepfake technology has introduced both groundbreaking innovation and complex ethical dilemmas. While brands explore hyper-personalized content using AI-generated videos, concerns around consumer trust, authenticity, and transparency persist. This study investigates the impact of deepfake marketing on consumer perception, focusing on three key objectives: the relationship between consumer knowledge of deepfakes and perceived brand transparency, the influence of deepfake recognition ability on brand trust, and the effect of exposure frequency on message believability. Adopting a positivist research philosophy with a deductive approach, the study employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, sampling 250 randomly selected students from Timeon Kairos Polytechnic, Lagos State. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, were used to analyze the data. Findings reveal that consumer knowledge and deepfake recognition ability significantly influence perceptions of brand transparency and trust, respectively. Likewise, exposure frequency positively affects brand message believability. These results underscore the need for ethical AI use and enhanced digital literacy to foster consumer confidence in technologically advanced marketing. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for marketers and calls for greater alignment with emerging digital transparency standards
PREDICTIVE MAINTENANACE AND ITS ROLE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
Full text linkEnergy efficiency has emerged as a critical priority in the hospitality industry, driven by the need for sustainable operations and long-term cost optimization. Predictive Maintenance (PdM), an innovative strategy that integrates advanced analytics, machine learning, and real-time monitoring, offers a proactive approach to equipment management. Despite its potential, many hospitality establishments remain reliant on reactive maintenance models, resulting in frequent equipment failures, excessive energy consumption, and shortened asset lifespans. This study examines the application of PdM in enhancing energy efficiency across hospitality facilities and seeks to establish a framework for anticipating equipment failure, reducing operational disruptions, and promoting sustainable resource use. Using a desk research approach, the study draws insights from a comprehensive review of contemporary literature on smart sensor technologies, machine learning applications, and energy-efficient practices in facility management in Nigeria. The findings underscore PdM’s capacity to extend equipment lifespan, curtail energy waste, and reduce operating costs. However, barriers such as high implementation expenses, insufficient technical expertise, and algorithmic biases continue to impede widespread adoption. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, face significant challenges due to limited financial and human capital, often defaulting to reactive or minimal preventive maintenance approaches. To overcome these constraints, the study advocates for a strategic blend of ethical AI deployment and workforce upskilling. By addressing structural and skill-related gaps, the hospitality sector can unlock the full potential of predictive maintenance, positioning it as a transformative pathway toward greater operational resilience, energy efficiency, and sustainable growth
INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS AND REGIONAL ECONOMIC OUTCOMES: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA’S PROVINCES
Full text linkThe deployment of robots across various sectors has become a defining feature of technological modernization and economic transformation. This study investigates the economic impact of industrial robot adoption on productivity, employment, and wage dynamics using panel data from Chinese provinces between 2000 to 2023. This study adopts a quantitative research design employing panel data econometrics to investigate the impact of industrial robot adoption on economic productivity and labor market outcomes across countries and sectors. as well as median wage growth. Specifically, the paper applied the fixed effects, difference-in-differences (DiD), and instrumental variable (IV) regressions, the analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between robot density and total factor productivity (TFP) However, robot adoption is associated with modest employment declines, particularly in regions with lower human capital levels. Interaction models further indicate that the positive effects of robots are amplified in areas with a higher share of skilled labor, supporting the theory of labor market polarization. These findings underscore the importance of complementary investments in education, R&D, and reskilling programs to fully realize the benefits of automation while mitigating its social costs. We recommend that policymakers must craft holistic responses that mitigate displacement risks while amplifying the productivity and wage-enhancing potentials of automation. Moreso, policy makers should scale up investments in technical and vocational education to ensure that workers can transition into complementary roles as technology evolves. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to foster inclusive growth in the age of intelligent automation
ROLE OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM DIGITALIZATION ON OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF SMEs IN ILORIN
Full text linkThis study examines how the operational efficiency of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Ilorin, Nigeria, is affected by digitalized accounting information systems. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model and contingency literature, the paper tests how AIS adoption, AIS automation, and employee competency influence operational efficiency, and whether government policy moderates these relationships. Using a descriptive survey, data were collected from 359 registered SMEs in Ilorin and analysed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that AIS adoption (β = 0.237, t = 5.09, p < 0.001), AIS automation (β = 0.274, t = 6.72, p < 0.001) and employee competency (β = 0.364, t = 8.25, p < 0.001) significantly and positively predict operational efficiency. Government policy showed no significant moderating effect. Robustness checks (Harman’s single factor, multicollinearity, and bootstrapping with 5,000 samples) confirm result stability. Digitalizing AIS significantly enhances SME performance in Ilorin, principally when employees are competent. Policymakers should finance targeted AIS training and subsidized cloud accounting packages for SMEs in order to enhance performance. Equally, SMEs are advised to prioritize staff upskilling and adopt affordable cloud accounting to realize immediate efficiency gains. The study contributes locality-specific evidence for Ilorin and actionable policy prescriptions for SME digital
FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY AND TRANSPARENCY OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM LASUSTECH, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study examines the moderating role of Information Technology (IT) infrastructure on the relationship between financial reporting quality and public sector transparency at Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH). Although high-quality financial reporting is critical for transparency and accountability, LASUSTECH has experienced delays in financial disclosures and occasional budget inconsistencies, undermining stakeholder confidence. While IT infrastructure can enhance the accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility of financial information, its moderating influence in Nigerian public institutions remains underexplored. Employing a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 108 administrative and financial staff from a population of 150. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the moderating effect of IT infrastructure on the relationship between financial reporting quality and transparency. Findings indicate that robust IT infrastructure significantly strengthens this relationship, improving the transparency of financial operations. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the strategic importance of IT infrastructure in public sector financial governance and offers practical recommendations for policymakers and administrators seeking to leverage technology to enhance accountability and transparency