The Journal provides a forum for scholarly interaction among academics, policy makers, and development partners in Nigeria and abroad, who are interested in the discussion of current trends and challenges impacting on the disciplines of Management Sciences, Social sciences, Humanities and related fields.
Faculty of Management Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
NEWSPAPER COVERAGE OF WOMEN`S PARTICIPATION IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: ANALYSIS OF DAILY TRUST AND GUARDIAN NEWSPAPERS
Women's participation in entrepreneurship and business activities in Nigeria significantly contributes to the nation’s economic, agricultural, and food production growth. However, their efforts remain underrepresented in the media compared to their male counterparts. Media coverage tends to highlight women entrepreneurs only when they are prominent public figures, while the majority of women making substantial contributions to national development receive little attention. This study examines the coverage of women’s participation in entrepreneurship in Daily Trust and The Guardian newspapers. Anchored on the agenda-setting theory, the study adopts content analysis to assess the frequency, prominence, and framing of reports related to women entrepreneurs in the selected newspapers. Findings reveal that women’s participation in entrepreneurship is largely underreported and accorded minimal prominence compared to other business-related issues. The study recommends that media organizations should enhance the visibility and representation of women entrepreneurs by giving adequate publicity, priority, and prominence to their stories. Such efforts can encourage greater women participation in entrepreneurship and attract support from both governmental and non-governmental bodies
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STRATEGIC RISK MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA
Strategic risk management is a systematic framework for identifying and addressing uncertainties that could impact an organization's ability to achieve its long-term objectives, thereby enhancing resilience and ensuring operational continuity. This study evaluated the effect of strategic risk management on the sustainability of construction firms in South-East Nigeria, focusing on five key practices and their corresponding sustainability dimensions which are: the effect of risk monitoring on supply chain resilience, risk identification on operational efficiency, risk mitigation on resource conservation, risk communication on stakeholder engagement and also the effect of risk compliance on quality management sustainability. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 313 employees across 25 purposively selected large-scale construction firms and analyzed using simple linear regression. The findings revealed statistically significant positive relationships across all tested variables. Risk monitoring was found to have a significant effect on supply chain resilience, explaining 21.3% of the variance (R² = .213, F(1, 311) = 83.941, p = .024). Risk identification significantly influenced operational efficiency sustainability, accounting for 18.9% of its variability (R² = .189, F(1, 311) = 72.316, p = .031). The study concluded that strategic risk management is an indispensable driver of long-term sustainability for construction firms in the region. It is recommended that firm leaders implement formal, enterprise-wide SRM frameworks, and that policymakers create incentives to promote the adoption of these vital practices to enhance industry resilience and performance.
EXTERNAL DEBT SERVICING AND INTEREST RATE IN NIGERIA 2000-2023
This study examines the effect of debt servicing on interest rates in Nigeria from 2000 to 2022. Time series data were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, and the analysis was conducted using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression technique. The findings reveal that external debt servicing exerts a negative and significant influence on interest rates in Nigeria during the study period. This suggests that rising external debt obligations constrain financial resources and limit the government's borrowing capacity. The study concludes that the persistent burden of external debt servicing may hinder economic stability and fiscal flexibility. It therefore recommends that the government enhance domestic revenue generation through improved tax administration and an expanded tax base to reduce dependence on external borrowing. Additionally, debt financing should be strategically directed toward promoting economic diversification beyond the oil sector to mitigate vulnerability to external debt pressures.
EFFECT OF DRIVERS RISK ATTITUDES ON INSURANCE CLAIMS IN NIGERIA
This study examined drivers risk attitudes on the demand for insurance claims in Nigeria. Risk attitudes were decomposed into three elements; using cell phone and texting, driving at excessive speed, drinking and driving as independent variables, while insurance claims was the dependent variable. Explanatory research design was adopted in this study. Data was gathered from primary source using structured questionnaires. The sample size for the study was determined using the Taro Yamane formular and multiple regression analysis was used to test the impact of the independent variables on the dependent. Also, to establish the statistical significance of the independent variables, t-statistic at 5% level of significance was used. Coefficient of determination (R2) was also used to establish the predictive power of the independent variables in explaining the variation in the dependent variable. The findings revealed that using cell phone and texting, driving at excessive speed, and drinking and driving had combined significant positive effect with the demand for insurance claims in Nigeria depending on the type of insurance cover possessed by the insured. It was recommended that risk perception training should be implemented to educate drivers about the consequences of risky behaviours such as speeding, drunk driving, and distracting driving, this will help reduce the demand for insurance claims in Nigeria. Also, insurers will have more funds to channel to investments that will enable the insurers attend to claims need whenever it arises.
OPTIMIZING SERVICE QUALITY MANAGEMENT FOR ENHANCED USER SATISFACTION IN TIN CAN ISLAND PORT, LAGOS
Poor Service quality in Nigerian seaports is worrisome because majority of the cargo that are meant for Nigerian seaports are being diverted to the neighboring seaports leading to loss of revenue to the government. This research aim to optimize service quality management in Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, Nigeria. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of tangibility and reliability on port user satisfaction. Survey type of descriptive research design was utilized. The population consist of eight hundred and twenty (820) respondents. (269) two hundred and sixty-nine respondents made up the sample surveyed in this study; this was derived with Taro-Yamane (1967) formula. The study used simple random sampling criteria to choose the respondents. Questionnaire was the only instrument adopted to collect data. Simple percentage, frequency and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze data and hypothesis tested with multiple regression analysis. The study findings revealed that tangibility and reliability positively affect port user satisfaction. The research concludes that effective service quality will enhance port users’ satisfaction. Hence, the research recommends that government and individuals’ terminal operators are encouraged to provide up-to-date facilities and equipment. Secondly, officials at the seaports should always show concern and support port users whenever the need arises.
MANAGERIAL SKILLS AND PROMOTION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES OF SILVERBIRD GROUP LIMITED IN PORT-HARCOURT
This research work investigated how managerial expertise affects the progress of entrepreneurial endeavours within Silverbird Group Ltd, located in Port-Harcourt. The study objectives are to; determine the influence of technical skills on market research, analyze the effect of interpersonal skills on creative marketing strategies, and evaluate the role of problem-solving skills in promoting the local business of Silverbird Group Ltd in Port-Harcourt. The research employed a survey design methodology. The population is comprised of 108 managerial personnel from Silverbird Group Ltd located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The method employed for gathering data involved the use of questionnaires. The hypotheses were examined through the application of linear regression analysis. The study found out that technical skill has a significant positive effect on market research, interpersonal skills have significant positive effect on creative marketing strategies and problem-solving skill has a significant positive effect on promoting local business of Silverbird Group Ltd in Port Harcourt. The research findings indicate that managerial expertise plays a vital part in developing the entrepreneurial endeavours of Silverbird Group Ltd in Port Harcourt. The study proposes, among others, that the management of private organisations should periodically organise seminars and conferences that enhance the managerial skills of their staff.
ATTRIBUTES INFLUENCING CUSTOMER PATRONAGE: EVIDENCE FROM A DEPOSIT MONEY BANK IN NIGERIA
This study investigates the determinants of customer patronage in Nigeria’s banking sector, using Sterling Bank Nigeria Plc as a focal case. Six key factors—ambience, quality of service/service efficiency, digital infrastructure, emotional attachment/brand familiarity, perceived trustworthiness/social–regional affiliations, and bank performance—were examined using regression analysis, chi-square tests, and factor analysis on data obtained from 120 respondents. Findings indicate that all six variables exert a positive and statistically significant influence on customer patronage, with bank performance, service quality, and digital infrastructure emerging as the strongest predictors. Factor analysis further shows that these three constructs collectively account for more than 66% of the variation in patronage levels. The study concludes that customer patronage in the banking industry is both performance-driven and perception-sensitive, shaped by financial robustness, service efficiency, digital capability, and relational trust. It recommends that banks deepen investments in digital modernization, enhance service delivery standards, strengthen corporate performance, and cultivate social trust to maintain competitive advantage in the evolving post-digital banking landscape.
SUPPLIER SELECTION OPTIMIZATION FOR A CLOSED-LOOP SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORK: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MCDM METHODS
This study evaluates supplier selection optimization for a closed-loop supply chain network by comparing three multi-criteria decision-making methods which includes Weighted Sum, Weighted Product, and TOPSIS. The analysis focuses on raw material suppliers for sugar and PET bottles, assessing performance across eight key criteria, including cost, sustainability, lead time, and reliability. Findings reveal that 15% of suppliers achieve consistent top-tier performance (average score = 1.0), excelling in both operational and sustainability metrics (sustainability scores of 7.34-9.36 and on-time delivery rates of 0.91-0.97). Methodological disparities emerge, with Weighted Product being the most stringent (12-15% lower scores for mid-tier suppliers) and TOPSIS emphasizing balanced performance. Notably, suppliers with strong sustainability practices (average score = 8.2) outperform cost-focused counterparts by 92%, reinforcing circular economy principles. The study identifies critical performance thresholds, showing that suppliers scoring below 0.5 exhibit fundamental deficiencies (sustainability scores ≤ 3.2). These insights enable stratified supplier selection, highlighting elite performers for strategic partnerships and mid-tier suppliers for targeted development. The results provide a data-driven framework for optimizing closed-loop supply chains, aligning procurement strategies with sustainability and operational resilience.
RESOURCE UTILIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF PRIMARY HEALTHCARE DEVELOPMENT CENTRES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
Persistent underperformance in South-East Nigeria's Primary Healthcare Development Centres (PHDCs), evidenced by high mortality rates and low patient satisfaction, highlights a critical problem in resource utilization. This study examined the relationship between specific resource management practices and these performance issues. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, the study ascertained the relationship between budget variance, absenteeism rates, staff utilization capacity, resource flexibility, and goal alignment and their effects on key performance indicators. A survey research design was employed, targeting 3,176 administrative heads of PHDCs across five states. A sample of 359 was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula, with 299 valid responses collected via a structured questionnaire. The instrument's face and content validity were confirmed by experts, and reliability was established with Cronbach's Alpha coefficients ranging from .789 to .924. Data were analysed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. The findings revealed significant correlations between all variables. Budget variance showed a strong positive correlation with mortality rates (r = .703, p < .001), indicating that financial mismanagement directly impacts negative health outcomes. Absenteeism rates had a strong negative correlation with patient satisfaction (r = -.729, p < .001), demonstrating that staff unavailability critically undermines patient experience. The study concludes that strategic, data-driven resource management is essential for improving healthcare delivery in the region. It is recommended that policymakers and facility managers implement stringent financial oversight, optimize staff deployment, and clearly align organizational goals with service delivery objectives to enhance overall healthcare performance and outcomes.
STRATEGIC INTEGRATION OF GREEN HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: A FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYEE INNOVATIVENESS IN GLOBAL FOOD RETAIL SUPPLY CHAINS
This study examines the relationship between strategic integration of green human capital development (GHCD) and employee innovativeness in the context of global food retail supply chains with selected Spar retail outlets in Lagos State as a case study. The research focuses on the roles of green performance management and appraisal and green compensation and rewards in fostering employee innovativeness. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing a survey method with a structured questionnaire. The study's population consisted of 122 employees of selected Spar retail outlets. Using the Taro Yamane (2004) sample size model, a sample size of 93 was determined. Data was collected via convenience sampling technique. The result of the hypothesis one shows t-value is 5.279, and the p-value (Sig.) is 0.000, which is highly significant (p < 0.05). The unstandardized coefficient of hypothesis two which is 0.687 with a standard error of 0.089, and a t-value of 7.680 with the corresponding p-value is 0.000, which is less than 0.05. This indicates that the relationship of the two hypotheses tested are statistically significant. The study concludes that green human capital development proxy with green performance management and appraisal and green compensation and rewards has significant relationship with employees’ innovativeness. The findings provide practical recommendations for retail outlets to formally integrate green performance indicators into the standard performance management and appraisal systems for all employees by ensuring that objectives related to energy conservation, waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and resource efficiency are clearly defined, measurable, and weighted in the appraisal process.
CONTRIBUTORY ROLE OF RESTAURANT SERVICES IN THE GROWTH OF NIGERIA’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
The contributory role of restaurant services in the growth of the hospitality industry is a vital area of focus, particularly in Nigeria's evolving service economy. This study investigates how restaurant services impact the broader hospitality sector, with emphasis on their influence on tourism, employment, local economies, and guest satisfaction. Using a desk review research approach, secondary data were drawn from scholarly articles, online journals, industry reports, and case studies in Nigeria and comparable contexts, including evidence from global best practices, the study explores the interaction between restaurant operations and other hospitality segments such as hotels and event centers. The research also analyzes how innovation, sustainability, and customer preferences drive service improvement in restaurants. Findings reveal that restaurant services significantly enhance customer retention, promote cultural tourism, and contribute to revenue generation and employment. The study concludes that advancements in restaurant service delivery are closely linked to the competitiveness and growth of the Nigerian hospitality industry.
REMOTE WORK SYSTEM AND LECTURERS’ PERFORMANCE IN ABIA STATE UNIVERSITIES, NIGERIA
This study examined the relationship between remote work systems and lecturers’ performance in Abia State universities, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the relationship between technological infrastructure and service delivery, as well as between flexible work schedules and employee commitment. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from lecturers at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, and Abia State University, Uturu. The study population comprised 2,246 lecturers, and a sample size of 340 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while hypotheses were tested with the Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between technological infrastructure and service delivery, and between flexible work schedules and employee commitment. The study concludes that effective implementation of remote work systems can enhance lecturer performance if supported by adequate technological and institutional frameworks. It recommends that university management invest in digital infrastructure, training, and support systems to strengthen remote work practices and improve staff performance.
CORPORATE TAX PLANNING INSTRUMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED CONSUMER GOODS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
The rationale beyond the study was to examine the association between corporate tax planning instrument and financial performance of listed consumer goods companies in Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the extent of relationship among the three major variables of tax planning techniques such as thin capitalization, Effective tax rate and Book tax difference. The study adopted ex-post facto research design. The study population was culled from twenty-one consumer goods sector of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) as at the end of 2024 trading year. purposive sampling technique was used to select five consumer goods companies. The study data were sourced from Financial Statement of the studied consumer companies. The findings of the study revealed that thin capitalization has negative and significant effect on return on assets of listed consumer good companies in Nigeria, effective tax rate has positive and insignificant effect on return on assets of listed consumer good companies in Nigeria and book tax difference has positive and insignificant effect on return on assets of listed consumer good companies in Nigeria. In conclusion, while corporate tax planning can be a useful tool for managing costs and enhancing profitability of a particular consumer goods company, its effectiveness is contingent on how responsibly and strategically it is implemented. It was recommended that the management of the said companies in Nigeria should minimized excessive debt levels, and regulators should also enforce appropriate leverage rules, and policies that supports access to equity and low-cost financing.
EFFECT OF JOB BURNOUT ON EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN STAR GLASS BEVERAGES NIGERIA LIMITED, OGUN STATE
This study examined the effects of job burnout—specifically workload and role ambiguity—on employee performance at Star Glass Beverages Nigeria Limited, Ogun State. Growing work pressures in the manufacturing sector have heightened concerns about employee well-being, productivity, and effectiveness. Using a survey research design, structured questionnaires were administered to 112 employees, out of which 101 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis via SPSS. Findings revealed that workload has a significant negative effect on employee productivity (β = –2.729; R² = 0.452, p < 0.05), indicating that excessive job demands reduce employees’ ability to deliver optimal output. Similarly, role ambiguity showed a significant negative effect on employee effectiveness (β = –0.010; R² = 0.398, p < 0.05), suggesting that unclear job responsibilities contribute to confusion, stress, and diminished task performance. These results confirm that job burnout is a critical challenge that undermines both productivity and effectiveness within the organization. The study concludes that addressing burnout—by reducing excessive workload and clarifying job roles—is essential for improving employee performance. It recommends that management implement strategies such as task redistribution, clearer communication of job expectations, enhanced supervisory support, and possible recruitment of additional staff to strengthen employee well-being and organizational competitiveness.
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES AND INFLUENCES ON ACCESS TO LOAN FROM MICROFINANCE BANKS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
The study explores the institutional factors of agricultural cooperative societies and influences on access to loan from microfinance banks in Southwest Nigeria. Specifically, it investigates effect of agricultural cooperatives organizational ability, safety quality, leadership qualities and asset quality on access to loan from microfinance banks. As a survey research, a total of 242 samples comprising Managing Director (MD); Head of Credit (HOC); Head of Operations (HOP); and, the Internal Auditor (IA), were explored from three States in the South west geopolitical zone of Nigeria namely Lagos, Oyo and Ogun States respectively. Applying inferential statistics, the study found out that Organizational abilities such as functional structures, regular meetings, decision-making, objective setting, and conflict management significantly improved access to credit, alongside leaders’ credit experience. Leadership qualities, including education, credit administration experience, and training exposure, as well as asset factors like leadership worth and physical assets, also positively influenced loan access. The study therefore recommends among others that ii. Improved financial planning and robust business plans could help cooperatives present stronger cases for full loan amounts, potentially reducing the gap between requested and granted funds. It also recommended that enhancing risk management frameworks could allow microfinance banks to approve higher loan amounts with confidence, thus better supporting agricultural projects.
INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN SELECTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN THE SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA
The study examined the extent to which innovation influence competitive advantage in the selected manufacturing firms in the South-East, Nigeria. This study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population in this study was 2002 staff in the selected manufacturing firms in Southeast, Nigeria. Random sampling was used to obtain a sample size of 322 respondents. Primary data were collected with the use of structured questionnaire. Pearson Product-moment Correlation was used to test the hypothesis, which revealed that: innovation exerts a moderate statistical influence on competitive advantage in selected manufacturing firms in Southeast, Nigeria (r = 0.61, p < .01). In conclusion, innovative firms are likely to enjoy competitive advantage more than those who maintain old ways of doing business. The study recommends that manufacturing firms should continuously review and improve their product offerings by introducing innovative features and attributes that set them apart in the industry.
STOCK MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS (1990–2022)
The performance of the stock market plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources and fostering economic growth in emerging economies such as Nigeria. However, despite its potential, concerns persist regarding the efficiency of capital utilization and the quality of governance in driving sustainable development. This study investigates Stock Market Development and Sustainable Economic Growth in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis between 1990 and 2022. Using annual time series data from the World Development Indicators and Worldwide Governance Indicators, the study applies the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique to capture both short-run and long-run dynamics. The results show that gross fixed capital formation exerts a negative and significant effect on growth, indicating inefficiencies in capital investment. In contrast, stock market capitalization has a positive and significant influence, underscoring the stock market’s role as a driver of economic expansion. Governance quality, measured by the rule of law, is negatively associated with growth, highlighting institutional weaknesses that hinder Nigeria’s development trajectory. The findings suggest that improving stock market depth and efficiency can contribute to long-term growth, while weak governance remains a major constraint. It is therefore recommended that policymakers strengthen institutional frameworks, enhance the rule of law, promote investor confidence, and implement reforms that deepen capital market activities. Such measures will foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT CAMPAIGN IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS REGULATORY AND ENFORCEMENT AGENCY (NESREA)
The study was conducted to investigate public relations strategies and social media platforms that NESREA could use in the campaign against indiscriminate disposal of waste in Nigeria. The study is underpinned by Two-way Symmetric Model and supported by Technological Determinism Theory and Frank Jefkins’ Transfer Process Model. Library research method was employed. Findings revealed that, converting negative situations to positive situations, two-way communication, media relations, research and data collection were public relations strategies that NESREA could adopt in the campaign against indiscriminate waste disposal in Nigeria. NESREA could convert negative situations to positive situations by adopting the Transfer Process Model. Media relations on the on other hand can get NESREA free and positive coverage. It was further revealed that, Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter(X) are social media platforms that NESREA could use in its waste management efforts. These social media platforms would make it easy for NESREA PR team to share messages with its publics in the form of text, videos and photos. It was concluded that, in the 21st century organizations like NESREA cannot make huge impact in her public relations efforts without embracing the 21st century media. It was recommended that, NESREA should use and continue to use social media in its public relations campaign, because the best way to achieve two-way communication is through the use of the social media.
ENTREPRENEURIAL APPROACHES TO SUSTAINABILITY IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN NIGERIA
The study aims to examine the extent to which entrepreneurs in Delta State incorporate sustainability into their operations, identify adopted circular business models, evaluate perceived benefits and challenges, and analyze how entrepreneurial strategies and innovation influence CE adoption. The study employs a deductive approach and quantitative design to test theoretical constructs empirically. A structured questionnaire titled Entrepreneurial Sustainability and Circular Economy Questionnaire (ESCEQ) was developed, validated by experts, and distributed both physically and digitally. Using stratified random sampling, data were collected from 120 entrepreneurs across five sectors (e.g., recycling, sustainable packaging). The instrument demonstrated strong internal consistency with Cronbach’s Alpha scores exceeding 0.70. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26), employing descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses to evaluate relationships between key variables. Harman’s single-factor test confirmed the absence of significant common method bias.Results revealed a significant positive relationship between sustainability integration, circular business model adoption, perception of benefits and challenges, and entrepreneurial strategies with CE adoption. Entrepreneurial innovation was the most influential predictor (β = 0.3125). The regression model explained 56.2% of variance in CE adoption (R² = 0.5623). Entrepreneurs in Delta State demonstrate strong engagement with circular economy principles. However, barriers such as limited financing and awareness persist. The study recommends government incentives, educational reforms, NGO-led training, and enhanced entrepreneur collaboration. This study contributes empirical insights into circular entrepreneurship in Nigeria, offering actionable strategies for policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs to foster sustainable economic development.
DOES SCOPE-BASED CARBON DISCLOSURE DRIVE SHAREHOLDERS’ VALUE? A MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF NIGERIAN FIRMS
This study investigates the impact of scope-based carbon emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3) and sustainability reporting on the market valuation of firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX). Using multivariate regression on panel data covering nine firms from 2012 to 2023, the findings reveal that Scope 2 emissions have a statistically significant positive effect on firm value, measured by Tobin’s Q, indicating investor sensitivity to indirect emissions linked to operational efficiency. In contrast, Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions, as well as sustainability reporting, showed no significant influence, suggesting challenges related to the credibility or materiality of these disclosures in Nigeria. The results reveal the need for improved standardization and verification of emissions and sustainability disclosures to enhance their relevance for investors.
BOARD INDEPENDENCE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM QUOTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
Corporate governance remains a cornerstone of firm performance, particularly in developing economies where institutional frameworks are evolving. This study investigates the effect of board independence on the financial performance of quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria between 2013 and 2022. Drawing on agency theory, which posits that independent directors serve as monitors to reduce agency costs and align managerial interests with those of shareholders, the study adopted an ex-post facto research design. Panel data regression techniques—including fixed effects, random effects, and least squares dummy variable models—were employed to analyze secondary data from 46 purposively selected firms. Descriptive statistics revealed a relatively high level of board independence, averaging 70.41%. However, inferential results showed no statistically significant effect of board independence on earnings per share (EPS), and a negative relationship with return on assets (ROA) in the fixed effects model. These findings suggest that while structural compliance with board independence norms is high, the effectiveness of such governance mechanisms in improving firm performance remains questionable. The study concludes that board independence alone does not guarantee enhanced financial performance unless complemented by genuine independence, expertise, and functional oversight. The research calls for further examination into contextual and qualitative factors influencing board effectiveness in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF CORRUPTION IN THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE AND ITS EFFECT ON CRIME CONTROL
Corruption within the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) remains a critical barrier to effective crime control, manifesting through bribery, extortion, unlawful detention, and selective law enforcement. Such practices erode public trust and undermine the legitimacy of law enforcement institutions. This study examines public perceptions of corruption in the NPF and its effect on crime control. Employing a quantitative descriptive survey design, data were collected from 200 respondents and analyzed using SPSS with frequencies, tables, and charts. The study is grounded in Structural Functionalism, which emphasizes how institutions maintain social cohesion, stability, and order through clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Findings indicate that both actual and perceived corruption reduce the deterrent effect of policing, discourage crime reporting, encourage underreporting, and distort official crime statistics. The study concludes that systemic corruption significantly impairs crime control in Nigeria and recommends structural reforms, strengthened internal accountability, and enhanced procedural justice to restore public trust and improve policing effectiveness.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN SELECTED EAST AFRICAN COUNTRIES
The study addresses the use of artificial intelligence in predicting financial inclusion in East Africa, particularly the lack of bank accounts which negatively impact development and livelihood. To address this issue, the study proposes the use of machine learning techniques to predict individuals who own bank accounts and those who do not. The study employed various machine learning algorithms, including Logistic Regression, Naive Bayes, Random Forest Classifier, Decision Tree, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost, SVM, and K-Nearest Neighbours, to predict financial inclusion in East Africa. A public dataset obtained from Kaggle was used to predict whether an individual has a bank account or not. The study built a machine learning model that predicts financial inclusion in East Africa using individuals' demographic and economic information. The Gradient Boosting model outperformed other models, with a mean accuracy score of 0.89. Feature importance analysis revealed that Level of Education was the most significant predictor of financial inclusion, followed by Type of Job and the relationship with head. The study highlights the most essential factors in promoting financial inclusion in East Africa and provides insights for policymakers and financial institutions to improve access to financial services. Based on the results of the study, it was recommended that policymakers and financial institutions in East Africa should focus on improving financial inclusion for individuals with a higher level of education, especially those with vocational or specialized training and secondary education. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve access to cell phone technology, particularly in urban areas.
WASTE REDUCTION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT CULTURE: DETERMINANTS OF PERFORMANCE IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
This study investigates the effect of waste reduction and continuous improvement culture, two core components of the Integrated Lean Six Sigma (ILSS) production system on the performance of food and beverage manufacturing firms in South-South Nigeria. Anchored on the Theory of Constraints (TOC), the research examines how waste reduction influences production efficiency and how continuous improvement culture shapes employee productivity and engagement. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data collected from 303 respondents across five multinational food and beverage companies in the region. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, linear regression, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Findings reveal that waste reduction exerts a statistically significant positive effect on production efficiency (R = 0.784, R² = 0.615, p < .05), indicating that eliminating non-value-adding activities can improve efficiency by over 61%. Continuous improvement culture was also found to significantly influence both employee productivity (R² = 0.667) and employee engagement (R² = 0.536), underscoring the role of cultural transformation in workforce performance. The study concludes that adopting ILSS practices that integrate waste elimination and continuous improvement principles can enhance operational efficiency and workforce output in resource-constrained environments. It recommends that manufacturing firms should institutionalize continuous improvement programs, invest in employee training, and adopt data-driven waste reduction strategies to sustain long-term competitiveness.
QUALITATIVE ANALOGY OF CUSTOMER SERVICE DELIVERY STRATEGIES ON CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP DIMENSIONS: NIGERIAN INSURANCE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Given the sector's pervasive trust deficit, understanding how specific strategies like complaint handling and technical competence of the service staff regarding insurance products are very important. This exploratory, small-scale study investigated the relationship between customer service delivery strategies on customer relationship dimensions among customers of the selected insurance firms (AIICO Insurance Plc., Leadway Assurance Company Limited and FBNInsurance Limited) in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using a qualitative research design, the study conducted face-to-face interviews with four participants. The data, analyzed with NVivo software, revealed preliminary insights into how customer service delivery strategies influence customer relationship. The findings from the study’s thematic analysis suggest a potential link between a firm's customer service delivery strategies and customer relationship, based on the experiences shared by the six interviewees. The study's main takeaway is that prioritizing efficient and effective service delivery appears to be a factor in fostering customer satisfaction and loyalty. Based on these initial insights, we suggest that service providers consider focusing on customer service delivery programs to improve customer relationships and brand awareness. Imminent, larger-scale study would be helpful to additionally explore and confirm these foundational findings.
PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE TREASURY SINGLE ACCOUNT
This study examines public sector reforms in Nigeria, focusing on the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) as a tool to enhance financial transparency and accountability. The background to the study stems from Nigeria's long-standing issues of corruption and inefficiency in public financial management. The objectives of the study are to assess the impact of TSA on improving government revenue control, reducing financial leakages, and enhancing budgetary discipline. The research methodology is conceptual, relying on secondary data to analyse the successes and challenges of the TSA policy. The findings revealed that TSA has significantly contributed to centralising government revenues, reducing opportunities for corruption, and improving cash management. However, challenges such as initial resistance from government agencies, technological gaps, and capacity-building needs hindered full implementation. The study concludes that while TSA has strengthened financial oversight, addressing its operational challenges is key to maximising its effectiveness. Recommendations include strengthening technological infrastructure, enhancing public sector staff capacity, and fostering stakeholder collaboration to ensure long-term success. This analysis highlights the critical role of financial management reforms in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS OF WOMEN FARMER COOPERATIVES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON ACCESS TO LOAN FROM MICROFINANCE BANKS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
This study investigates the institutional factors influencing women farmer cooperatives’ access to loans from microfinance banks in Southwest Nigeria. The specific objectives are to examine disparities between loan requests and actual access, evaluate the influence of organizational capacity, and assess the effect of safety-related qualities on loan approval. A descriptive and quantitative research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire and interview schedule to collect primary data from cooperative members in Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun States. A sample size of 370 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings reveal significant gaps between requested and approved loan amounts, with an average shortfall of 18.5%, indicating that cooperatives frequently receive less funding than needed. This shortfall is linked to microfinance banks’ conservative lending practices, risk aversion, and strict eligibility criteria. Organizational capabilities—such as functional administrative structures, regular meetings, strategic planning, and effective conflict resolution—were found to significantly enhance loan access, reflected in a grand mean score of 4.73 on a 5-point Likert scale. Safety-related qualities, including membership size, credit experience, and collateral provision, also positively influenced loan approval, with a grand mean score of 4.70. The study recommends that cooperatives strengthen financial planning and risk management to mitigate funding gaps, while microfinance banks should balance risk considerations with the need to support agricultural development. Enhancing both organizational and safety qualities can improve cooperatives’ creditworthiness and access to essential financial resources, thereby fostering growth within the agricultural sector.
IMPACT OF ELECTRONIC TAXATION ON REVENUE GENERATION IN NIGERIA PERSPECTIVE FROM FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICES
This study examines the impact of electronic taxation on revenue generation in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The rapid evolution of digital technologies has brought significant changes to tax administration systems worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. The study investigates how the adoption of e-taxation has affected tax compliance, the efficiency of tax collection, and overall revenue generation. Specifically, it explores the relationship between e-taxation and tax revenue, evaluates the reduction in tax malpractice, and identifies the challenges impeding the successful implementation of e-taxation systems in Nigeria. Using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study gathered data from 325 respondents, including taxpayers, tax officials, and other stakeholders involved in the Nigerian tax system. The findings suggest a positive correlation between e-taxation and improved revenue generation, enhanced efficiency in tax collection, and reduced incidences of tax evasion. However, the study also highlights significant challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure, low levels of digital literacy, and cybersecurity risks that hinder the full potential of e-taxation. Based on these findings, the study recommends measures to address these challenges, including the enhancement of digital literacy programs, investment in digital infrastructure, and stronger cybersecurity protocols. The study concludes that while e-taxation holds great promise for improving revenue generation, its success in Nigeria will depend on overcoming existing barriers to ensure broader accessibility and greater public trust in the system.
EFFECTIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRES: GATEWAY TO SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE OF NIGERIAN TERTIARY STUDENTS AND GRADUATES
Faced with lots of socioeconomic challenges, which range from mass unemployment to high rate of inflation, dwindling foreign direct investments, and steady depreciation of the naira ultimately culminating in widespread poverty, massive entrepreneurship through effective entrepreneurial education of the undergraduate population, tend to be the way to go, for Nigeria to surmount her overwhelming socioeconomic quagmire. Consequently, this paper sought to: Identify practical and viable entrepreneurial skills that can be acquired by Nigerian tertiary students through campus entrepreneurial development centers (EDCs); examine basic requirements and standards for the effective transfer of entrepreneurial knowledge and skills to the trainees; proffer models for trainees’ business start-up, financing, promotion and long term sustainability. Using a structured literature review approach, some past related studies were x-rayed to establish the relationship between entrepreneurship education and economic emancipation especially as it has to do with financial independence of the undergraduate and graduate population. Subsequently, viable entrepreneurial and vocational areas were identified as skills that Nigerian undergraduates can be trained in through their respective entrepreneurial development centers (EDCs) on campus. However, for achievement of effective entrepreneurial knowledge and skills transfer to trainees, adequate funding, standardization and equipping of the EDCs were identified as being paramount in addition to the fulfillment of other certain requirements. Finally, feasible and efficient models for trainees’ business start-up, financing, promotion and long term sustainability were proffered, and thus initiating a sustainable model for the financial independence of Nigerian tertiary students and graduates through practical and effective entrepreneurial education using the campus EDCs.
IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION ON PROFITABILITY AND BUSINESS EXPANSION IN SMES
The study examined the impact of digital technology adoption on profitability and business expansion in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Descriptive survey research design was employed and questionnaire was used as the research instrument. The study population comprised 8,395 SMEs operating in Lagos State and Krejcie and Morgan (1970) was used to determine a sample size of three hundred and sixty-seven (367) respondents while purposive sampling technique was used to select the SMEs. Simple percentage was used to analyze the responses of the questionnaire while regression statistics was used to test the hypotheses. Findings revealed that e-commerce integration has significant impact on the revenue growth in SMEs (p < 0.05), digital marketing also has a significant impact on the return on investment (ROI) in SMEs (p < 0.05), automation tools significantly impact the cost efficiency in SMEs (p < 0.05) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems significantly impact the customer retention rate in SMEs (p < 0.05). These findings emphasized that the strategic adoption of digital technologies is no longer optional but essential for SMEs seeking sustainable growth in an increasingly digital economy. It therefore recommended that SME owners and managers should prioritize the integration of digital technologies into their business operations and invest in digital literacy training for themselves and their employees to ensure effective implementation and utilization of these technologies.