Effect of Board Capabilities on Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosure Practices of Listed Non-Financial Firms in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of board capabilities (female director qualification, environmental expertise of directors, and board activity) on
environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The population for the study consists of 116 non-financial firms in Nigeria while the sample size of the population is forty-eight (48) firms. Ex-post facto research design was used. A generalized least square regression technique was employed to analysis the panel data. The results revealed that female director's qualifications have a positive insignificant effect on ESG practices. The study also revealed that the environmental expertise of directors has a positive significant effect on ESG practices. Board activity revealed a negative significant effect on ESG practices of listed nonfinancial firms in Nigeria. The study recommends that government in collaboration with Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) should come up with a policy that will mandate public companies to provide a seat for women with accounting and finance qualification in the board, give them responsibilities in the area of finance, and control related matter. SEC should also consider directors with environmental knowledge when designing or amending the provision of the code. On the other hand, less attention should be given to meeting attendance, as it reduces EGS practices of listed nonfinancial firms in Nigeria.