Corporate Governance Mechanism and Environmental Disclosure in Nigeria: Moderating Effect of Audit Firm Choice
This study examines the moderating effect of audit firm choice on the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and environmental disclosure among listed non-service companies in Nigeria. Employing a correlation research design, the study gathered secondary data from annual reports, standalone reports, and reports on compliance with the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance 2018 from 51 out of 71 non-service companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group over a five-year period (2018-2022) through content analysis. Regression analysis using Generalised Least Squares (GLS) was employed to analyse the data. The findings indicate that audit firm choice moderates the relationship between, board meetings, board independence, and environmental disclosure. The study concludes that audit firm choice moderates the relationships among board meetings, board independence and environmental disclosure of listed non service companies in Nigeria. In light of these results, the study recommends that regulatory bodies overseeing governance codes in Nigeria should place greater emphasis on audit firm choice, board independence and board meetings to enhance the effectiveness of board oversight and bolster the credibility of information communicated to stakeholders. Keywords: Environmental disclosure, Corporate Governance Mechanisms, Audit Firm Choice, Generalised Least Square. JEL Classification: M5