Papers by Onipe A D A B E N E G E Yahaya
NDA Journal of Management Sciences Research, 2025
Tax compliance is a major concern globally due to its adverse effects on government revenue. The ... more Tax compliance is a major concern globally due to its adverse effects on government revenue. The government's consistent failure to meet tax revenue projections has prompted discussions on factors contributing to low tax compliance. Existing literature suggests that extrinsic factors, such as government accountability and transparency, significantly influence voluntary tax compliance, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to examine the effect of government accountability on voluntary tax compliance within the registered businesses in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Employing a survey research design, the study targeted a population of 2,000 businesses and used stratified random sampling to select 334 respondents. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, and the analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with results presented in tabular form. The findings reveal a lack of government accountability, contributing to reluctance in voluntary tax compliance among the registered business sector. The study concludes that government accountability is crucial for fostering voluntary tax compliance. Based on the finding that gender moderates the relationship between government accountability and voluntary tax compliance behaviour, it was recommended that policymakers aiming to enhance voluntary tax compliance should improved government accountability to build trust in taxpayers and also pay attention to the role of gender and other demographic-specific strategies.
The Journal of Accounting and Finance, 2025
This study examines the influence of board independence and gender diversity on corporate perform... more This study examines the influence of board independence and gender diversity on corporate performance among 153 quoted Nigerian firms, utilizing balanced panel data from 2015 to 2024. The problem motivating the research is persistent mixed evidence on whether independent directors and greater female representation enhance firm value in emerging markets, and the scarcity of comprehensive Nigeria-specific longitudinal analyses. The purpose is to estimate the distinct and joint effects of board independence and female board representation on financial performance measures (ROA, ROE, and Tobin’s Q), controlling for firm size, leverage, and liquidity. Methodology employs panel regression techniques—fixed and random effects, Hausman tests for specification, and robustness checks including clustered standard errors and instrumental-variable estimation to address endogeneity. Findings indicate that board independence has a modest positive association with market-based performance, while gender diversity exhibits stronger and more consistent positive effects on both accounting and market performance; the interaction term suggests complementary benefits when independence and gender diversity coexist. Research limitations include potential measurement error from disclosure variance and remaining endogeneity concerns. Practical and social implications encourage regulators and firms to promote balanced boards to strengthen performance and stakeholder trust. Originality lies in combining a decade-long Nigeria-wide sample with rigorous causal checks to clarify governance–performance links.
Journal of Accounting and Public Finance, 2025
Despite numerous tax incentives introduced by successive Nigerian governments to stimulate invest... more Despite numerous tax incentives introduced by successive Nigerian governments to stimulate investment and accelerate economic growth, the expected outcomes have remained elusive. This persistent gap raises concerns about the quality of regulatory institutions in facilitating the effectiveness of such fiscal policies. This study examines the moderating effect of regulatory quality on the relationship between tax incentives and economic growth in Nigeria. The purpose is to determine whether strong regulatory frameworks enhance the efficacy of tax incentives in driving sustainable economic performance. Employing a quantitative research design, the study uses secondary data spanning 1999-2024 sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service, and World Bank governance indicators. The data are analyzed using panel regression and moderated interaction models to assess both direct and moderating effects. The findings reveal that while tax incentives exert a positive but statistically weak impact on economic growth, regulatory quality significantly strengthens this relationship, indicating that the effectiveness of incentives depends heavily on institutional efficiency, transparency, and enforcement capacity. The study is limited by its reliance on macro-level data, which may mask sector-specific dynamics. Practically, the research underscores the need for policymakers to couple fiscal incentives with institutional reforms to achieve developmental goals. Socially, improved regulatory quality enhances investor confidence, fosters inclusive growth, and reduces inequality. The study contributes original insights to the fiscal policy literature by empirically demonstrating the moderating role of regulatory quality in Nigeria's tax-growth nexus.
Jurnal of Finance, Accounting, and Economics, 2025
This study investigates the influence of corporate governance mechanisms, specifically board inde... more This study investigates the influence of corporate governance mechanisms, specifically board independence, institutional ownership, audit committee, and external audit, on the quality of integrated reporting. Despite growing interest in integrated reporting as a tool for enhancing corporate transparency, its quality remains inconsistent, raising concerns about the efficacy of governance structures in ensuring reliable disclosures. The purpose of this research is to explore how these governance mechanisms contribute to the quality of integrated reporting, considering both internal and external factors. A quantitative approach was employed, analyzing a sample of firms from diverse sectors using panel data regression models. Key findings suggest that board independence and institutional ownership positively impact integrated reporting quality, as these mechanisms enhance oversight and align managerial decisions with long-term shareholder interests. Similarly, the presence of a strong audit committee and the engagement of external auditors were found to improve the reliability and comprehensiveness of integrated reports. However, the study also reveals that firm size, leverage, and profitability moderate these relationships, influencing the effectiveness of governance mechanisms in different contexts. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the data, which limits the ability to establish causal relationships. The research contributes to the understanding of corporate governance in the context of integrated reporting, offering practical implications for policymakers and companies seeking to improve reporting quality. This study also carries social implications by promoting greater transparency in corporate practices.
Journal of Business and Management, 2025
The cost of capital is a critical determinant of firms' investment, financing, and growth strateg... more The cost of capital is a critical determinant of firms' investment, financing, and growth strategies, yet its relationship with corporate governance mechanisms, particularly the role of non-executive directors (NEDs), remains underexplored in emerging markets. The problem addressed in this study is the limited empirical evidence on whether the presence and effectiveness of NEDs influence firms' ability to reduce capital costs. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of non-executive directors on the cost of capital while controlling for firm size, profitability, and liquidity. Using a panel dataset of listed companies, the study employs a random effects regression model to analyze the relationship between board composition and capital cost over ten years (2015-2024). The findings reveal that a higher proportion of non-executive directors is associated with a statistically significant reduction in the cost of capital, suggesting that independent oversight enhances investor confidence and reduces perceived risk. Firm size and profitability also contribute to lowering capital cost, while liquidity shows a mixed effect. The study is limited by its focus on a single market context, which may restrict the generalizability of results across different institutional environments. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of strengthening board independence to improve firms' financial efficiency and investor appeal. Socially, the results underscore the broader role of governance reforms in enhancing transparency, protecting minority shareholders, and promoting sustainable capital market development. The originality of this study lies in its integrated analysis of NEDs and capital cost, offering fresh insights for both theory and practice.
Journal of Business and Management Studies, 2025
This study examines whether firm listing age (FLA) moderates the relationship between female dire... more This study examines whether firm listing age (FLA) moderates the relationship between female directors (FD) and leverage among listed Nigerian service firms. Using a balanced panel dataset of 23 firms over 15 years (2009-2023), comprising 345 firm-year observations, the analysis explores the interplay between corporate governance mechanisms and financing decisions. Leverage, measured as the ratio of total debt to total assets, serves as the dependent variable, while FD is the key independent variable. Firm listing age (FLA) is introduced as a moderating factor, with audit quality (AQ), firm profitability (FP), and firm size (FS) as control variables. Descriptive statistics indicate moderate leverage (mean LEV = 0.48) and low but improving female representation on boards (mean FD = 0.22). Correlation analysis reveals a negative and significant relationship between FD and LEV, suggesting that gender-diverse boards are generally conservative in debt financing. Random effects panel regression results confirm that FD significantly reduces leverage, while FLA positively moderates this relationship, indicating that older firms with diverse boards exhibit less conservative leverages. Control variables such as AQ, FP, and FS show expected signs consistent with pecking order and agency theories. The study contributes to corporate governance literature by highlighting the nuanced role of firm age in shaping financing behaviour. Findings have practical implications for policymakers, investors, and managers seeking optimal board composition and leverage strategies.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS EDUCATION, 2025
Fluctuations in global oil prices and variations in consumer income significantly influence trans... more Fluctuations in global oil prices and variations in consumer income significantly influence transportation demand, posing challenges for policymakers, businesses, and households. This study examines the dynamic relationship between oil price, income, and transportation demand to address the gap in understanding how these variables interact in both short- and long-term contexts. The purpose is to determine the extent to which changes in oil price and income levels affect transportation demand patterns. Employing a time-series econometric approach, specifically a Vector Autoregression (VAR) model with data spanning 2000–2024, the analysis reveals that rising oil prices reduce transportation demand, while increasing income exerts a positive effect. Findings indicate asymmetric responses to oil price shocks, with demand being more sensitive to price increases than decreases. Limitations include reliance on secondary data and potential unobserved variables. Practical implications highlight the need for sustainable transport policies, while social implications emphasize affordability and accessibility. The study’s originality lies in integrating oil price and income dynamics to forecast transportation demand.
Journal of Accounting, Economics and Finance, 2025
Nigeria's heavy reliance on crude oil exports exposes its economy to significant risks stemming f... more Nigeria's heavy reliance on crude oil exports exposes its economy to significant risks stemming from oil price volatility. This study empirically investigates the relationship between oil price volatility and economic growth in Nigeria, addressing the persistent macroeconomic instability associated with fluctuating global oil markets. The study employs annual time-series data spanning 1981-2023 and utilizes a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to examine both short-run and long-run dynamics. Findings reveal a negative and statistically significant impact of oil price volatility on economic growth in the long run, while trade openness, government spending, population growth rate, and technological progress exert varying degrees of influence. Institutional factors moderate the volatility-growth nexus, underscoring the role of governance quality. Limitations include data constraints and model specification sensitivity. The study provides practical insights for policymakers to enhance economic resilience through diversification and institutional reform. It contributes original empirical evidence from a major oil-dependent economy.
Journal of Accounting, Finance, and Econometrics, 2025
Capital structure issues have been of particular importance since the 2008/2009 financial crisis ... more Capital structure issues have been of particular importance since the 2008/2009 financial crisis because of several international scandals (e.g. Enron and WorldCom in the US, Parmalt in Italy, and Banco Português de Negócios in Portugal, Cadbury in Nigeria, among others). This calls for reformulation of governance mechanisms to minimize agency conflicts and restore confidence in capital markets, and transparency of the company's economic and financial situation. The choice of some corporate governance mechanisms impacts the company's capital structure, as it may influence agency costs between the principal and managers and between types of investors, and may impact the firm's financing decision. In this sense, this paper aims to analyze the impact of board independence on the capital structure of services listed firms in Nigeria. A panel data of listed companies on the Nigerian Exchange, between 2013 and 2022, and the multiple linear regression model was used. The main results suggest that the independence of the board of directors impacts capital structure. Moreover, the study finds that firm listing age moderates the effect of board independence on capital structure. This work focuses on an emerging country, Nigeria, where board independence has not been given priority. Future research may add to the sector investigated to improve the study R 2 .
Journal of Business Quantitative Economics and Applied Management Research, 2025
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance has emerged as a critical measure of corp... more Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance has emerged as a critical measure of corporate sustainability, yet its effectiveness may be undermined by information asymmetry. This study investigates the effect of information asymmetry on ESG performance among publicly listed firms. The problem lies in the limited transparency and unequal access to information between corporate insiders and external stakeholders, which may hinder effective ESG evaluation and decision-making. The purpose of the study is to examine whether higher levels of information asymmetry negatively impact firms' ESG outcomes. Using a panel data set of 143 firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange from 2014 to 2023, the study adopts a random effects regression model. The findings reveal a significant negative relationship between information asymmetry and ESG performance, suggesting that firms with higher opacity are less likely to adopt robust ESG practices. Limitations include the reliance on secondary data and proxies for asymmetry and ESG. The study provides practical implications for regulators, investors, and firms, encouraging enhanced disclosure. The research is original in its focus on an emerging economy context.
International Journal of Management Sciences, 2025
The increasing globalization of corporate boards has intensified scholarly interest in understand... more The increasing globalization of corporate boards has intensified scholarly interest in understanding the role of foreign directors in shaping strategic financial decisions such as dividend policy. However, the empirical evidence on the influence of foreign directors on dividend distribution remains inconclusive, especially in emerging markets characterized by unique institutional, cultural, and regulatory contexts. This study investigates the effect of foreign directors on dividend policy among publicly listed firms, addressing a critical gap in corporate governance literature. The primary objective is to examine whether the presence of foreign directors enhances dividend payouts due to their global experience, stronger shareholder orientation, and preference for transparency. Using panel data derived from 143 firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange between 2014 and 2023, the study employs a random effects regression model. Key variables include the proportion of foreign directors on the board and control variables such as firm profitability, firm leverage, firm size, and regulatory environment. Findings reveal a significant positive relationship between foreign directorship and dividend payout ratio, suggesting that foreign directors contribute to stronger shareholder rights protection and signal confidence in firm performance. However, the magnitude of the effect varies depending on the regulatory environment and firm-specific characteristics. The study is limited by its geographic focus on Nigeria, which may constrain generalizability. Furthermore, qualitative attributes such as the nationality, experience, and independence of foreign directors were not deeply explored. Practically, the findings underscore the need for boards and policymakers to consider board diversity strategies that include foreign expertise to boost investor confidence and promote shareholder value. Socially, enhancing dividend policy through effective board composition can support economic growth by improving wealth distribution and stimulating investment. The study contributes original insights to corporate governance discourse in emerging economies by linking board internationalization to dividend strategy.
International Journal of Innovative Research in Accounting and Sustainability, 2025
This study examined moderating role of audit committee gender diversity on interaction of
CEO cha... more This study examined moderating role of audit committee gender diversity on interaction of
CEO characteristics and audit quality of listed firms in Nigeria. The study used a sample of
94 out of a population of 156 firms using their secondary data and employed panel
regression and logistic panel regression analysis. The result showed that CEO Ownership
interaction with audit fees is not significant. However, it is positive and significant with
audit firm size. CEO tenure interaction with audit committee gender has negative
moderating effect on audit fees while exhibiting positive effect on audit firm size. The study
concluded that gender diversity in audit committee will reduce CEO tenure and CEO
ownership effect on audit quality of listed firms in Nigeria. The study then recommends
among others that listed firms in Nigeria should be required to have gender-diverse audit
committees, as this has shown to improve governance ethics and promote higher audit
quality. This could be achieved through stringent corporate governance policies and listing
requirements by stock exchanges, particularly the Nigeria Exchange.
Journal of Sustainability, Business, and Economics, 2025
The increasing global emphasis on sustainable business practices has intensified scrutiny on corp... more The increasing global emphasis on sustainable business practices has intensified scrutiny on corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosure, yet the role of ownership structure in shaping such disclosure remains underexplored in emerging markets. This study investigates the effect of institutional and foreign ownership on ESG disclosure among publicly listed firms. The purpose is to determine whether these ownership types influence the transparency and quality of ESG reporting. A panel dataset comprising 143 firms across key sectors over ten years (2014-2023) was analyzed using panel regression models, controlling for firm profitability, leverage, and size. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between both institutional and foreign ownership and the level of ESG disclosure, suggesting that these owners act as catalysts for enhanced corporate accountability and sustainability reporting. However, the study is limited by its reliance on secondary data and exclusion of private firms, which may restrict the generalizability of the results. Practically, the findings encourage regulatory bodies to promote policies that attract such owners to foster ESG transparency. Socially, the study underscores the value of diverse ownership in promoting stakeholder-oriented practices. The study contributes original insights by linking ownership composition with sustainability performance in the context of emerging markets.
Journal of Applied Management Research, 2025
The increasing demand for transparent and holistic corporate reporting has led to the emergence o... more The increasing demand for transparent and holistic corporate reporting has led to the emergence of integrated reporting (IR) as a strategic tool for enhancing stakeholder decision-making. However, the effect of integrated reports on share price remains inconclusive, particularly in emerging markets where regulatory frameworks and corporate disclosure practices are evolving. This study investigates the effect of integrated reports on share price, with a focus on the control roles of firm profitability, leverage, and size. The purpose is to empirically examine whether the adoption and quality of IR significantly influence investor valuation and market performance. A panel data analysis was conducted on 127 publicly listed firms across diverse sectors in the Main Board of the NGX over 10 years (2014-2023), using a random effects regression model to establish the relationship between integrated reporting quality and share price. The study controlled for firm-specific variables such as profitability (ROA), leverage, and size, and accounted for regulatory changes introduced during the period under review. The findings reveal a statistically significant positive relationship between the quality of integrated reports and share price, suggesting that investors reward firms that provide comprehensive, transparent, and forward-looking information. Furthermore, firm profitability and size enhance this relationship, while high leverage weakens it. These results underline the relevance of integrated reporting in building investor confidence and market value. However, the study is limited by its geographic focus and data availability on IR scores, which may restrict generalisability. Practically, the research offers insights to managers, regulators, and investors by reinforcing the value relevance of integrated reporting. Socially, it promotes a culture of accountability and long-term sustainability in corporate reporting. The originality of this study lies in its nuanced examination of IR's impact on share price in a developing economy context, considering firm-level characteristics and regulatory evolution.
Journal of Economics, Management, Business, and Accounting, 2025
The interplay between capital structure choice and dividend policy has long intrigued scholars an... more The interplay between capital structure choice and dividend policy has long intrigued scholars and practitioners, yet the trade-off mechanism remains inadequately explored in emerging markets. This study investigates the effect of capital structure choice on the dividend trade-off among publicly listed nonfinancial firms in Nigeria, where financial constraints, volatile markets, and agency conflicts pose significant challenges to optimal financial decision-making. The problem arises from the conflicting goals of debt servicing and shareholder payout, which complicate firms' ability to balance financing and distribution strategies effectively. The purpose of this study is to examine how firms' capital structure decisions-specifically the mix of debt and equity-affect their capacity and willingness to pay dividends, and to assess the extent to which firm-specific characteristics shape this relationship. Using a panel dataset of 127 firms listed in the Main Board of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) from 2014 to 2023, the study employs a random effects model to control for unobserved heterogeneity and test the hypothesized relationships. Findings reveal a significant inverse relationship between leverage and dividend payout, supporting the trade-off theory: as debt levels rise, firms reduce dividends to preserve liquidity and meet debt obligations. Firm size and profitability moderate this relationship, with larger and more profitable firms displaying a weaker negative association. The study is limited by its exclusion of financial firms and reliance on secondary data, which may not fully capture managerial intent or investor expectations. However, its findings have practical implications for corporate finance managers, investors, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for balanced financing strategies that consider dividend sustainability. Socially, the study underscores the importance of transparent financial policies in building investor confidence. This research contributes original empirical evidence from a developing economy context, enriching the literature on capital structure-dividend policy nexus and informing more nuanced capital management strategies.
Journal of Economics and Accounting, 2025
The relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and firm value has garnered signif... more The relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and firm value has garnered significant scholarly attention, yet empirical evidence remains inconclusive, particularly in emerging economies. This study addresses the critical question: Does CSR improve firm value? The primary objective is to empirically examine the effect of CSR engagement on firm value among publicly listed firms in Nigeria. Drawing from stakeholder and legitimacy theories, the study adopts a quantitative research design using panel data methodology. A sample of 127 firms
Journal of Accounting, Economics, Finance and Management, 2025
The capital structure decisions of firms remain central to corporate finance discourse, with owne... more The capital structure decisions of firms remain central to corporate finance discourse, with ownership structure emerging as a critical determinant of leverage. Despite extensive literature, inconsistencies persist regarding how varying ownership types influence firms' debt usage, particularly in emerging economies. This study investigates the effects of ownership structure, specifically managerial, institutional, and foreign ownership, on corporate leverage among publicly listed firms. The purpose is to provide empirical clarity and offer policy-relevant insights into ownership-induced capital structure behavior. Employing panel data from 127 firms listed on the Main Board of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) over 10 years (2014-2023), the study utilizes random effects regression models to analyze the relationship. Findings reveal that institutional ownership has a positive and significant effect on leverage, suggesting confidence in debt-financed growth, while managerial ownership is negatively associated with leverage, reflecting risk aversion and entrenchment concerns. Foreign ownership exerts a mixed effect, depending on the level of control. The study is limited by its focus on one national context and Main Board firms. Practically, the findings inform policymakers, investors, and corporate managers on optimal ownership configurations for balanced financing. Socially, the research underscores ownership as a governance mechanism influencing corporate accountability. The study contributes original empirical evidence from a frontier market context.
Journal of Finance and Accounting, 2025
In the wake of recurrent financial crises and heightened stakeholder demand for transparency, fin... more In the wake of recurrent financial crises and heightened stakeholder demand for transparency, financial risk disclosure (FRD) has emerged as a critical mechanism for mitigating information asymmetry and enhancing market confidence. However, the role of the audit committee (AC) in shaping the quality and extent of FRD remains underexplored, particularly in emerging economies. This study investigates the effect of audit committee characteristics-size, independence, financial expertise, and meeting frequency-on the level of financial risk disclosure among 127 publicly listed firms on the Main Board of NGX. The study is motivated by the problem of persistent opacity in financial risk reporting, which undermines informed decision-making and poses significant threats to corporate accountability and investor protection. The purpose of the study is to assess whether and how the composition and effectiveness of the audit committee influence firms' financial risk transparency. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing panel data from 45 non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group over 10 years (2014-2023). The data were analyzed using a random-effects panel regression model. Findings reveal that audit committee independence and financial expertise have a statistically significant positive effect on the extent of FRD, while size and meeting frequency exhibit no significant relationship. These results underscore the importance of technical competence and autonomy in overseeing risk-related disclosures. The study is limited by its focus on a single emerging market and the exclusion of financial firms due to their distinct regulatory framework. Nonetheless, the findings have practical implications for regulators and boards seeking to enhance transparency through audit committee reform. Socially, improved FRD contributes to investor protection and economic stability. This study contributes to the corporate governance and risk disclosure literature by providing empirical evidence on the governance mechanisms that drive financial transparency in emerging markets, thereby offering original insights for policy and practice.
Journal of Management and Business, 2025
Earnings volatility poses significant challenges to corporate stability and investor confidence, ... more Earnings volatility poses significant challenges to corporate stability and investor confidence, raising questions about the influence of board composition-particularly gender diversity-on financial reporting outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between the presence of women directors and earnings volatility among publicly listed firms. The purpose is to determine whether gender-diverse boards contribute to more stable earnings patterns. A panel dataset of 127 companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange from 2014 to 2023 was analyzed using a random effects regression model. The findings reveal a statistically significant negative relationship between the proportion of women on corporate boards and earnings volatility, suggesting that female directors enhance monitoring and reduce managerial opportunism. However, the study is limited by its focus on a single emerging market and the exclusion of financial firms, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Practically, the results support policies promoting gender-diverse boards to strengthen financial governance and reduce earnings risk. Socially, the findings reinforce the case for inclusive corporate leadership as a pathway to enhanced economic stability. This study contributes original empirical evidence to the discourse on gender diversity and financial outcomes, particularly within underexplored emerging market contexts like Nigeria.
Journal of Applied and Management Sciences, 2025
Environmental disclosure quality remains inconsistent across firms, particularly those with signi... more Environmental disclosure quality remains inconsistent across firms, particularly those with significant environmental impacts. Despite increasing board environmental expertise, disclosure practices often fall short of stakeholder expectations. This study examines whether carbon emissions moderate the relationship between board environmental expertise and environmental disclosure quality among publicly listed firms. Using a panel dataset of 127 firms listed on the Main Board of NGX, from 2014 to 2023, and applying random effects regression, the study finds that board environmental expertise positively influences disclosure quality, with this effect significantly amplified in high carbon-emitting firms. The findings suggest that emissions intensity heightens external scrutiny, compelling knowledgeable boards to enhance transparency. Limitations include reliance on secondary data and the exclusion of privately held firms. Practically, the study informs policymakers on the need for emissionspecific disclosure regulation. Socially, it supports stakeholder engagement in sustainability reporting. The study's originality lies in integrating governance, disclosure, and environmental performance into a single empirical framework with carbon emissions as a moderator.
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Papers by Onipe A D A B E N E G E Yahaya
CEO characteristics and audit quality of listed firms in Nigeria. The study used a sample of
94 out of a population of 156 firms using their secondary data and employed panel
regression and logistic panel regression analysis. The result showed that CEO Ownership
interaction with audit fees is not significant. However, it is positive and significant with
audit firm size. CEO tenure interaction with audit committee gender has negative
moderating effect on audit fees while exhibiting positive effect on audit firm size. The study
concluded that gender diversity in audit committee will reduce CEO tenure and CEO
ownership effect on audit quality of listed firms in Nigeria. The study then recommends
among others that listed firms in Nigeria should be required to have gender-diverse audit
committees, as this has shown to improve governance ethics and promote higher audit
quality. This could be achieved through stringent corporate governance policies and listing
requirements by stock exchanges, particularly the Nigeria Exchange.