Corporate Governance and Earnings Management of Listed Non-Financial Companies in Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the effect of Corporate Governance (CG) on discretionary earnings management of non-financial companies listed on the Nigerian stock exchange. The study used ex-post facto research design using secondary data extracted from financial statement and accounts of the non-financial companies for eight years (2013-2020). Secondary data was analyzed using Arellano-Bover/Blundell-Bond Estimation technique; the results revealed that board size and board meetings have a negative and significant effect on current discretionary accruals, however, the results revealed that board independence have no significant influence on current discretionary accruals. The study concludes that board size and board meeting have significant effect on discretionary accrual earnings management of listed non-financial companies in Nigeria. Hence good corporate governance is necessary for maximization of shareholders’ wealth the study therefore recommends strict compliance to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission code of CG on the size of the board and the frequency of board meetings in Nigeria.