BOARD ATTRIBUTES AND ENVIROMENTAL SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) DISCLOSURE IN LISTED SERVICE FIRMS IN NIGERIA
Although there exist increasing stakeholder pressure and focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure, among which are regulatory bodies and investors. A number of listed service companies in Nigeria have inconsistent ESG reporting resulting from inadequacies in board procedures meant to address sustainability risks. This study investigates the effect of board attributes on the ESG disclosure of listed service firms in Nigeria, with a population of 45 firms and a sample size of 16, utilizing an ex-post facto research design and multiple regression to analyze data gathered from the financial statements of the sampled firms. This study adopts general least squares and reveals that board size and composition have a negative and significant effect on ESG disclosure, the board corporate social responsibility committee has positive and significant effect, while board gender diversity and board audit committee have an insignificant effect. The strong conviction of the research is that board qualities are crucial factors that influence the ESG performance of the listed service companies in Nigeria. Good governance systems, board diversity, and sustainability control mechanisms increases the sensitivity of the firms towards stakeholders demand and their long-term sustainability. The study recommends, amongst other things, that listed service firm should follow the inclusion of independent, competent, and professionally skilled directors on the board to facilitate objectivity and sustainability focus.
Board Attributes, Board Size, Board Composition, Board Gender Diversity, Board Social Responsibility Committee, ESG Disclosure