EFFECT OF FIRM ATTRIBUTES ON FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY OF LISTED CONSUMER GOODS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD ATTRIBUTIES

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of firm attributes on the financial reporting quality of consumer goods companies in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the moderating role of board attributes. The research adopts a quantitative approach, analyzing panel data obtained from the audited annual reports of selected listed consumer goods firms over a defined study period. Firm-specific variables such as firm size, leverage, profitability, and firm age are examined alongside board-related variables including board independence, board expertise, and gender diversity. The study employs regression analysis to assess both the direct effects of firm attributes on financial reporting quality and the interaction effects arising from board characteristics. The findings reveal that firm size and profitability have significant positive relationships with financial reporting quality, while leverage exhibits a negative and significant influence. Board independence and board expertise show positive moderating effects, strengthening the relationship between firm attributes and reporting quality. The inclusion of gender diversity further enhances the explanatory power of the model, underscoring its importance in governance discussions. The study contributes to academic literature by integrating both firm and board characteristics in a single analytical framework, addressing a gap in prior research. Practically, the results provide guidance to managers, auditors, and investors on governance mechanisms that improve transparency. Policy-wise, the findings offer regulatory bodies such as the Financial Reporting Council, Nigerian Exchange Group, and Corporate Affairs Commission empirical evidence for refining corporate governance codes and disclosure requirements. The study concludes that a combination of strong firm fundamentals and effective board oversight is critical for enhancing financial reporting quality in Nigeria’s consumer goods sector.