Submit your papersSubmit Now
For Enquiries: [email protected]
IIARD LogoIIARD

Board Accountability and Sustainability Reporting in Nigerian Companies

Bassey, Bassey Ubi

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine board accountability and sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies. Specifically, the study seeks to: examine the effect of board transparency on sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies; determine the effect of board responsibility on sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies; assess the effect of board oversight on sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies; and to evaluate the effect of board ethical conduct on sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies. This study adopted conceptual review method. Information on Board accountability and sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies was gathered using textbooks, journals, published and unpublished journals, libraries and internet applications. Based on the conceptual review, the following findings were made thus: Board transparency has a positive effect on sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies. Board responsibility has a positive effect on sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies. Board oversight has a positive effect on sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies. Board ethical conduct has a positive effect on sustainability reporting in Nigerian companies. The study recommends that Nigerian companies should strengthen board transparency by ensuring timely, accurate and comprehensive disclosure of material sustainability information. Boards should promote openness in reporting and ensure that both positive achievements and significant sustainability challenges are adequately communicated to stakeholders. Boards of directors should take greater responsibility for sustainability matters by integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into corporate strategy and decision-making. Directors should be held accountable for the sustainability commitments and disclosures of their organisations. Finally, companies should strengthen board oversight of sustainability activities by establishing effective monitoring and review mechanisms. Boards should regularly assess sustainability performance, scrutinise management disclosures and ensure that reported sustainability information is consistent with actual corporate activities.

Keywords

Board accountabilitysustainability reportingboard transparencyboard responsibilityboard oversightboard ethical conduct

References

Ajepe, A. O., Agbi, S. E., & Mustapha, L. O. (2021). Board characteristics and sustainability reporting of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. Journal of Finance and Accounting, 9(5), 182–189. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jfa.20210905.11 Eccles, R. G., Krzus, M. P., & Ribot, S. (2020). The integrated reporting movement: Meaning, momentum, motives, and materiality. John Wiley & Sons. Erin, O., Adegboye, A., & Bamigboye, O. A. (2022). Corporate governance and sustainability reporting quality: Evidence from Nigeria. Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, 13(3), 680–707. https://doi.org/10.1108/SAMPJ-06-2020-0185 Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. (2018). Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018. Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman. Freeman, R. E., Harrison, J. S., Wicks, A. C., Parmar, B. L., & de Colle, S. (2010). Stakeholder theory: The state of the art. Cambridge University Press. Global Reporting Initiative. (2021). GRI 1: Foundation 2021. Global Reporting Initiative. Ikpor, I. M., Akanu, O. O., Ugwu, J., Udu, G. O. C., Ulo, F. U., Achilike, N., Adama, L., & Oganezi, B. (2024). Influence of board governance characteristics on sustainability accounting and reporting in a developing country: Evidence from Nigeria large businesses. SAGE Open, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440231224235 International Sustainability Standards Board. (2023). IFRS S1 general requirements for disclosure of sustainability-related financial information. IFRS Foundation. International Sustainability Standards Board. (2023). IFRS S2 climate-related disclosures. IFRS Foundation. Jensen, M. C., & Meckling, W. H. (1976). Theory of the firm: Managerial behaviour, agency costs and ownership structure. Journal of Financial Economics, 3(4), 305–360. Mohammed, I., Gugong, B. K., Adedokun, R., Olorunloga, A. A., & Tagwai, M. G. (2024). Board attributes and sustainability reporting of listed firms in Nigeria. Gusau Journal of Accounting and Finance, 5(1), 312–331. https://doi.org/10.57233/gujaf.v5i1.14 OECD. (2023). G20/OECD principles of corporate governance 2023. OECD Publishing. Ololade, B. M., Adejumo, I. A., Worimegbe, T. M., & Agada, S. A. (2025). Corporate board characteristics and sustainability reporting disclosure: A PARDL analysis of listed multinational companies in Nigeria. African Journal of Business and Economic Research, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.31920/1750-4562/2025/v20n4a12 Oyerogba, E. O., Oladele, F., Kolawole, P. E., & Adeyemo, M. A. (2024). Corporate governance practices and sustainability reporting quality: Evidence from the Nigerian listed financial institution. Cogent Business & Management. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2024.2325111 Razaq, A. G., Alhassan, A., & Omole, P. M. (2023). Corporate governance mechanisms and sustainability reporting practices of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. FUDMA Journal of Accounting and Finance Research, 1(3), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.33003/fujafr- 2023.v1i3.50.1-18

More Articles from JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT