Overview Ilorin Journal of Management Sciences (IJMS) is a peer-reviewed academic journal published by the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. The Journal provides a platform for the dissemination of original research, theoretical contributions, case studies, and reviews in all areas of management sciences and related disciplines. IJMS is committed to advancing knowledge that bridges the gap between theory and practice, addressing contemporary issues in business, governance, and society. The journal welcomes contributions with strong methodological grounding, theoretical relevance, and practical implications for management practice within African contexts and the global environment.
Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
THE EFFECTS OF POS ADOPTION ON BANK PROFITABILITY IN NIGERIA.
The Nigerian banking sector has experienced significant transformation over the past decade due to the rapid expansion of digital financial services and electronic payment systems. Among these innovations, Point of Sale (POS) technology has become a major channel for transaction processing and financial intermediation in deposit money banks. This study examined the impact of POS adoption on the financial performance of selected deposit money banks in Nigeria from 2010 to 2025. Specifically, it investigated the effect of POS terminal deployment, POS transaction volume, POS transaction value, and number of merchants adopting POS services on bank performance measured by return on assets (ROA). Panel regression analysis was employed to analyze the relationships among the variables. The results of the study revealed that POS terminal deployment had a positive and significant effect on bank performance, indicating that an increase in the number of POS terminals enhanced ROA. POS transaction volume also exhibited a positive and significant relationship with ROA, showing that higher transaction activity improved profitability. In addition, POS transaction value was found to have a positive and significant effect on ROA, suggesting that higher-value transactions contributed to improved financial performance. Furthermore, the number of merchants adopting POS services had a positive and significant impact on ROA, implying that broader merchant participation strengthened bank profitability. The study concluded that POS adoption significantly improved the profitability of deposit money banks in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that banks should expand their POS terminal infrastructure by increasing deployment across wider geographic and commercial locations to enhance efficiency, profitability, and service accessibility. In addition, banks should implement targeted merchant acquisition strategies, including incentives and support systems, to attract more businesses to adopt POS services, as increased merchant participation was found to strengthen transaction flows and overall bank performance.
CLIMATE RISKS AND SMES SUSTAINABILITY IN BAUCHI AND GOMBE STATES. DOES EARLY WARNING SYSTEM SERVICE MATTERS?
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have continuously been at the forefront of supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth in both developed and developing economies. However, SMEs are more vulnerable to climate risks due to their limited resources and low resilience capability. Despite the vulnerability, there are limited empirical studies regarding the impact of some particular hazards on the sustainability of these enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa. This paper explores how floods, droughts, and heatwaves impact the sustainability of SMEs in the Northeast of Nigeria, Bauchi and Gombe State, and evaluate whether Early Warning Systems (EWS) moderate the linkages. The data were collected using structured questionnaires from 380 SMEDAN-registered SMEs and analysed based on structural equation modelling (SEM) with AMOS 26.0. Findings indicate that heatwaves (β = −0.610, p < 0.01), droughts (β = −0.451, p < 0.01), and floods (β = −0.228, p < 0.01) significantly undermine SME sustainability, with the model explaining 68% of variance (R² = 0.680). The results of moderation indicate that EWS have a significant negative effect on drought (= -0.233, p = 0.01) and heatwaves (= 0.608, p = 0.01), but not floods (CR = -1.336, p = 0.182), indicating that the EWS alleviates the impact of negative weather but not floods. Basing this research on the theory of Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, EWS is found to be more effective in response to certain hazards. It advises that SMEs should consider weather warnings as strategic intelligence and policymakers should develop hazard-specific warning systems.
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CARBON EMISSION DISCLOSURE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA
This study investigates whether carbon emission disclosure translates into improved financial performance in an emerging-market. Using firm-level panel data from 2015 to 2024, the study examines scope-specific disclosure, namely Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (energy-related indirect emissions), and Scope 3 (value-chain emissions), and evaluates their implications for financial performance measured by return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). The study adopts an ex post facto research design and employs panel estimation techniques comprising pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Fixed Effects (FE), and Random Effects (RE) models, with firm size, earnings per share, and leverage included as control variables. Data were obtained from audited annual reports and sustainability disclosures of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The findings reveal that Scope 2 disclosure has a negative and statistically significant relationship with both ROA and ROE. In contrast, Scope 1 and Scope 3 disclosures exhibit statistically insignificant relationships with financial performance. The study concludes that carbon emission disclosure alone does not automatically enhance firm performance, particularly in emerging economies characterized by weak environmental enforcement and infrastructural constraints. The study recommends that managers should complement carbon disclosure with substantive investments in energy efficiency and cleaner production technologies, while policymakers should strengthen environmental reporting standards and introduce supportive incentives like energy subsidies, tax reliefs to improve firms’ sustainability and financial outcomes. The study contributes to the literature by providing Africa-specific evidence and by disaggregating carbon emission disclosure into Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 categories to reveal their heterogeneous financial implications.
LOAN MANAGEMENT RATIOS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE (FP) OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS (DMBs) IN NIGERIA
This study explored how loan management ratios affect the FP of DMBs in Nigeria from 1994 to 2024. Key indicators examined include the Non-Performing Loan Ratio (NPLR), Loan-to-Deposit Ratio (LDR), Loan Loss Provision Ratio (LLPR), and Coverage Ratio (CR), with Return on Assets (ROA) as the measure of profitability. The research is grounded in theories such as Agency Theory, Credit Risk Theory, and Financial Intermediation Theory, among others. Using an ex-post facto design and secondary data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the study applies Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression through E-Views 10.0. Diagnostic tests for unit root, multicollinearity, autocorrelation, heteroskedasticity, and normality were conducted to ensure robustness. Results show that NPLR, LDR, and CR have positive and significant effects on ROA, while LLPR has an insignificant impact. This suggests that while non-performing loans typically indicate risk, banks may maintain profitability through higher interest margins. Effective loan intermediation and strong coverage ratios also support better returns. However, provisions for loan losses, although crucial for long-term stability, may not show immediate benefits to profit levels. The study concludes that improving loan management can boost FP in the sector. It recommends enhanced risk management, better lending practices, and sufficient capital buffers. These findings provide long-term empirical insights and offer useful guidance for bank managers, policymakers, and regulators.
ROLES OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS IN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
This study examines the roles of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria, addressing the problem of concentrated power, limited stakeholder involvement, and pervasive corruption that hinder effective governance. The objectives are to assess how CSOs promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement; identify internal and external challenges constraining their effectiveness; and explore strategies for enhancing their capacity, legitimacy, and impact. Adopting a content analysis methodology using secondary data sources from recent studies, the findings indicate that CSOs serve as crucial intermediaries between citizens and the state, facilitating advocacy, policy influence, service delivery, and social change, while promoting participatory democracy and monitoring the implementation of global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals. However, their effectiveness is undermined by weak institutional capacity, restrictive legal frameworks, donor dependence, political interference, and internal governance issues. The study recommends strengthening legal protections and institutional support, enhancing CSOs’ capacity and financial sustainability, fostering constructive state–civil society collaboration, and promoting grassroots citizen participation to reinforce democratic practices. By addressing these challenges, CSOs can consolidate democracy, enhance governance reforms, and ensure that citizen voices are effectively represented in national development.
AUTOMATION IN TAX COMPLIANCE: THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MODERNIZING TAX SYSTEMS
This study was required because of persistent weaknesses in tax administration in Nigeria. These weaknesses include poor revenue generation, manual processing delays, administrative inefficiency, tax evasion, and low use of modern digital tools. These problems reduce the ability of government to generate adequate revenue. They also affect economic and infrastructural development. The general objective of the study was to examine automation in tax compliance. The study also examined the role of artificial intelligence in modernising tax systems in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex post facto research design. The population of the study comprised annual records on tax administration efficiency. It also comprised records on artificial intelligence-related tax compliance indicators in Nigeria. The sample size consisted of 15 annual time-series observations. The period covered 2010 to 2024. The dependent variable was efficiency of tax administration. The explanatory variables were natural language processing, blockchain technology, and predictive analytics technologies. Secondary data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Correlation analysis was also used. Ordinary Least Squares regression was also used. The findings showed that natural language processing had a positive and significant effect on tax administration efficiency in Nigeria. Blockchain technology also had a positive and significant effect. Predictive analytics technologies also had a positive and significant effect. The study concluded that artificial intelligence plays a positive and significant role in modernising tax systems in Nigeria. The study recommended regular training for tax officials and professionals. The training should focus on the use and management of AI technologies. The study also recommended the adoption of blockchain technology. This can improve transparency, security, and integrity in tax transactions. The study further recommended the use of predictive analytics. This can reduce manual errors. It can improve tax assessment. It can also strengthen tax compliance enforcement.
ENHANCING SME BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH EFFICIENT SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN EMERGING MARKETS
Despite the increasing rate of digital technologies in transforming supply chain activities in the dynamic business environment today, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets remain behind the expected standard in using digital technologies, a factor that negatively affects their sustainability and efficiency in their supply chain management practices. This technological disparity is a major threat to the long-term business sustainability and competitiveness of SMEs, especially with the changing market requirements and the growing sustainability pressures. Therefore, this study examined the influence of efficient supply chain management, sustainable supply chain practices, and digital technologies on the sustainability and operational efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, using quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 340 SME owners and managers in Lagos State (Southwest) and Kwara State (North-Central), Nigeria, using purposive sampling technique. The data were analysis using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that supply chain management practices inventory management, supplier collaboration, and logistic efficiency significantly influence SME business sustainability, explaining 59.3% of its variance (R² = 0.593). Among these, inventory management has the strongest effect (β = 0.594), followed by supplier collaboration (β = 0.204) and logistic efficiency (β = 0.112). Sustainable supply chain practices environmental initiatives, green procurement, and waste management explain 91.2% of the variance in operational efficiency (R² = 0.912), with green procurement (β = 0.442) and environmental initiatives (β = 0.414) showing strong positive effects, while waste reduction is not significant. Digital technologies and innovations IoT, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation explain 78.8% of the variance in sustainable supply chain management implementation (R² = 0.788). The study concluded that integrating efficient supply chain practices, sustainable initiatives, and digital technologies significantly enhances SME sustainability and operational performance in emerging markets. It recommends investment in inventory systems, strengthening supplier collaboration, adoption of green procurement, and leveraging IoT and AI to optimize supply chain operations.
INFLUENCE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE SUPERVISION ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSICS TEACHERS IN ILORIN, NIGERIA
Physics is a vital discipline that underpins scientific advancement and national development. However, physics education in Nigeria has not fully achieved the objectives of the National Policy on Education, thereby highlighting the need for effective supervision and monitoring. This study examined the influence of Quality Assurance supervision on the effectiveness of physics teachers in Ilorin, Kwara State. The study specifically investigated the frequency of supervisory visits, the instructional supervisory practices employed by Quality Assurance personnel, the impact of supervision on teacher effectiveness, and teachers’ perceptions of the competencies of the Quality Assurance Bureau. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, using questionnaires and interviews for data collection. A stratified sampling technique was used to select 50 Ministry of Education personnel and 100 secondary school physics teachers. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean) were used to answer research questions, while t-tests were used to test hypotheses. Findings revealed that Quality Assurance personnel monitor instructional activities through classroom observation, checking of lesson plans and records, monitoring attendance, and evaluating school facilities. Their supervision was found to have a positive impact on the effectiveness of physics teachers. Teachers also perceived Quality Assurance personnel as competent in instructional supervision. Despite these strengths, gaps remain in ensuring consistent supervision and maximizing its impact on teaching practices and infrastructure. The study underscores the importance of effective quality assurance supervision in improving teacher performance and maintaining educational standards. It is therefore recommended that the government provide adequate funding to support regular supervisory visits and organize continuous professional development programs, such as seminars and workshops, to strengthen the supervisory competencies of Quality Assurance personnel and enhance the effectiveness of physics teachers.
CLOUD ACCOUNTING AND THE QUALITY OF FINANCIAL REPORTS OF SOME SELECTED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA
Cloud accounting, encompassing Software Service (SS), and Internet Service (IS), has been recognized globally for improving reporting accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility. However, in Nigeria, poor IT infrastructure and inconsistent adoption raise questions about its effectiveness in enhancing financial reporting quality, which is crucial for transparency and decision making. This study examines the effect of cloud accounting on the quality of financial reports of selected banks in Nigeria. The study adopts an ex-post facto research design using secondary data obtained from the annual financial statements of fifteen purposively selected banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2020 and 2024. The quality of financial reports was measured using a composite index of relevance, faithful representation, comparability, verifiability, and timeliness. Cloud accounting was proxied by Software Service, and Internet Service. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression (Binary Probit) techniques. The findings showed that software service and internet service have significant positive effects on the quality of financial reports. The study concludes that cloud accounting adoption improves the quality of financial reports by enhancing transparency, accessibility, and reliability. The study recommended that Nigerian banks increase investment in robust cloud infrastructure to strengthen financial reporting practices and maintain stakeholders’ confidence.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ilorin Journal of Management Sciences
ELECTORAL INTEGRITY AND GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY: TESTING A MODEL OF TRUST AND LEGITIMACY IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
This study examines the relationship between perceived electoral credibility, trust in local government, perceived government legitimacy, and citizen political participation in local government elections, using Kwara State, Nigeria as a case context. Grounded in Institutional Theory, the study investigates how citizens’ perceptions of electoral processes influence their political behaviour both directly and indirectly through institutional trust and perceived legitimacy. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 526 eligible voters. The data were analysed using SPSS, with PROCESS macro employed to test mediation and moderation effects. The findings reveal that perceived electoral credibility has a significant positive effect on political participation, indicating that citizens are more likely to engage in elections when they perceive the process as fair and transparent. Electoral credibility also significantly enhances trust in local government institutions, while trust itself positively influences political participation. Mediation analysis confirms that trust partially mediates the relationship between electoral credibility and participation, suggesting both direct and indirect effects. Furthermore, perceived government legitimacy significantly moderates the relationship between electoral credibility and political participation, strengthening the effect when legitimacy is high. The study highlights the central role of institutional perceptions in shaping democratic engagement at the grassroots level and underscores the importance of credible electoral systems and institutional trust in strengthening local governance and political participation in emerging democracies.
DATA ANALYTICS AND RISK BASED SUPERVISION IN THE NIGERIAN INSURANCE INDUSTRY: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of data analytics in supporting risk-based supervision (RBS) within the Nigerian insurance industry. Specifically, the study examined the impact of risk-based supervision on insurance company performance, assessed the role of analytical skills in implementing RBS, and explored the relationship between the adoption of data analytics and the implementation of RBS. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather primary data from 277 respondents across six selected insurance companies in Lagos State through the administration of copies of questionnaires for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, particularly regression analysis, with the aid of SPSS version 25. Findings revealed that risk-based supervision has a statistically significant positive effect on insurance company performance. Analytical skills were also found to significantly influence the successful implementation of risk-based supervision. Furthermore, the study established a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between the adoption of data analytics and risk-based supervision implementation. The study concludes that data analytics, supported by strong analytical skills and effective risk-based strategies, significantly underpinned by strong analytical capabilities and well-structured risk based framework enhances the performance and regulatory compliance of insurance companies in Nigeria. It is recommended that regulatory bodies and insurance firms should intensify the implementation of RBS through deepening internal analytical capabilities and investing in data analytics infrastructure. These measures, within Nigeria’s regulatory context, will enable data-driven decision-making and more robust supervision, ultimately promoting stability and growth in the insurance sector.
INFLATION AND FINANCIAL SECTOR STABILITY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA STATES
In SSA, persistent inflation remains a macroeconomic challenge capable of weakening banking resilience and undermining sustainable financial intermediation. This study examines the effect of inflation on financial sector stability in selected Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 2008–2024. The study therefore aims to assess whether inflation significantly influences financial sector stability, while controlling for key macroeconomic conditions. The analysis is anchored on Financial Stability Theory and Financial Repression Theory, which explain how inflation distorts interest rate signals, weakens balance sheets, discourages savings, and heightens systemic fragility in bank-dominated economies. Methodologically, the study employs a quantitative panel design using secondary data sourced from the World Development Indicators (WDI). Financial stability is proxied by the bank capital-to-assets ratio (BCAR), while inflation (CPI), GDP per capita, interest rate spread, and exchange rate serve as explanatory variables. A Fixed Effects regression model is adopted, supported by the Hausman specification test. Findings reveal that inflation has a negative and statistically significant effect on BCAR, indicating that rising inflation reduces bank capitalization and weakens stability. Interest rate spread is positive and significant, while GDP per capita and exchange rate are insignificant. The study recommends credible inflation management, stronger fiscal–monetary coordination, enhanced prudential supervision, and financial market deepening to strengthen stability.
EXAMINING ONLINE CONSUMER SHOPPING BEHAVIOUR: EVIDENCE FROM ONLINE RETAIL BUSINESSES
This study examines online consumer shopping behaviour, evidence from online retail businesses with the specific objectives to examine the impact of perceived trust, perceived risks, and convenience on online consumer shopping behavior in Nigeria. The population for this study is considered infinite because the exact number of consumers engaging in online shopping at any given time cannot be precisely determined. For this reason, the sample size of 385 was calculated using Cochran’s formula for infinite populations. Primary data were collected through a structured online questionnaire distributed through Google Forms, with responses measured on a 5-point Likert scale. A simple random sampling technique was used to ensure equal participation opportunities for all respondents. The data were analyzed using inferential statistics, with multiple linear regression utilized to test the hypotheses. The findings show that perceived trust has a positive significant impact on online shopping behavior, with a coefficient of 0.722 and a standardized Beta of 0.767 (p < 0.01). Perceived risks have significant influence, with an unstandardized coefficient of 0.615 and a Beta of 0.651 (p < 0.01). Similarly, convenience significantly influences online shopping behavior, with an unstandardized coefficient of 0.5819 and a Beta of 0.655 (p < 0.01). The study concluded that all three factors (perceived trust, perceived risks, and convenience) are crucial drivers of online shopping behavior in Nigeria. The findings recommended that online retailers should focus on building consumer trust, addressing risk concerns, and enhancing convenience to improve customer engagement and satisfaction.
ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF MSMEs IN NIGERIA
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, playing a vital role in creating jobs, distributing income, and fostering grassroots industrialization. Despite their significance, many MSMEs face growth limitations due to restricted access to formal financial services. This study examines how the financial performance of MSMEs is influenced by financial inclusion, considering factors such as current literacy levels and the availability and accessibility of financial services. It employs a cross-sectional survey design and a linear regression model as its estimation technique. The results show a positive and statistically significant link between financial inclusion and the financial performance of MSMEs in Nigeria. Access to affordable credit and the effective use of digital financial services have the most significant impact on profitability and revenue growth. However, structural challenges like high interest rates, collateral requirements, low financial literacy, and infrastructural issues weaken this relationship. The study also finds that financial literacy enhances the benefits of financial inclusion by improving decision-making and resource management. It concludes that financial inclusion is a key driver of MSME financial performance, but its effectiveness depends on supportive institutional and regulatory frameworks. The study recommends policies to expand access to affordable finance, improve digital financial infrastructure, and promote targeted financial education programs for MSME operators.
BOARD DIVERSITY OF BANKS AND TAX AVOIDANCE OF SELECTED WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES: A STUDY OF LIBERIA
The board of directors constitutes one of the pillars of a robust corporate governance framework and diversifying board is a contemporary issue in the corporate governance literature. Banks in Liberia continue to engage in tax avoidance practices, raising concerns about weak corporate governance. However, the influence of board diversity on these practices remains unclear and underexplored. This study examined impact of board diversity on tax aggressiveness of quoted deposit money banks in Liberia. Ex – post facto research design was adopted and data were sourced from published financial reports of the quoted Deposit Money Banks for a period of 7 years, from 2017 – 2022. The study covered all the quoted Deposit Money Banks of Liberia and this was achieved using census approach technique. Data gathered for this study were analyzed using quantitative econometric techniques (correlation and panel regression analysis method OlS). Findings from the study revealed that; gender diversity has a substantial impact on the Deposit Money Banks’ and tax avoidance. Also, it was revealed that educational history composition has little substantial impact on how the board of directors behaves when it comes to tax evasion.
CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING AND FINANCIAL STABILITY OF LISTED FIRMS IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF BOARD FINANCIAL EXPERTISE
The relationship between corporate environmental reporting and financial stability has gained significant attention over the years, especially in emerging markets like Nigeria; however, the moderating role of board financial expertise remains under-examined. Hence, this study investigates the moderating effect of board financial expertise on the relationship between environmental reporting and financial stability of 76 listed non-financial firms in Nigeria from 2015 to 2024. The study adopts an ex-post facto research design. Secondary data is employed for the study. Financial stability is measured using the Altman Z-Score and Equity-to-asset ratio, while corporate environmental reporting is proxy by emission disclosure, energy reporting, effluents and waste reporting, regulatory compliance. By employing OLS regression estimation technique and GMM estimation technique. The major findings revealed that the interaction between board financial expertise and energy reporting; compliance to environmental laws reporting have positive effect on financial stability while the interaction between board financial expertise and effluents, waste reporting has an adverse effect on financial stability. The study concludes that corporate environmental reporting has varying effects on financial stability depending on the specific type of disclosure. The study recommends institutionalizing environmental reporting standards and enhancing board competence in financial oversight.
THE IMPACT OF FOOD SECURITY AND MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS ON INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN NIGERIA
Food security in Nigeria remains severely strained as entrenched poverty, vulnerable agricultural systems, and rising inequality continue to threaten livelihoods. With millions facing hunger and economic exclusion, microfinance institutions offers a strategic pathway to inclusive growth by strengthening smallholder productivity, expanding access to finance, and empowering households to build resilient, sustainable economic futures. Against this backdrop, this study examined the impact of food security and the role of microfinance institutions on inclusive growth in Nigeria from 1985 to 2024, using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to evaluate both short-run dynamics and long-run relationships. The bounds test results show no evidence of a long-run relationship among the variables, implying that food security indicators and microfinance variables do not exhibit a stable long-term equilibrium relationship with poverty in Nigeria. However, the short-run ARDL estimates reveal that the lending interest rate, the prevalence of undernourishment, and microfinance bank loans to the agricultural sector exhibit negative but statistically insignificant relationships with the poverty rate. In contrast, the food production index and the number of borrowers show positive but insignificant relationships with poverty in the short run, indicating that increases in these variables are associated with short-term rises in poverty levels. Conclusively, although no long-run relationship exists, short-run interactions indicate that food security conditions and microfinance activities are linked to the trend in Nigeria's poverty rate. Therefore, policies should prioritize improving credit allocation efficiency, lowering lending rates, and ensuring that microfinance resources effectively target productive agricultural activities to enhance inclusive growth outcomes.
EMPLOYEE RETENTION STRATEGIES AND BRAIN DRAIN MITIGATION IN THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS SECTOR: A STUDY OF LUBCON NIGERIA LIMITED
Even though several studies have been conducted, very little is known about effective retention strategies to prevent talent loss and the uniqueness of brain drain among indigenous Nigerian oil and gas companies. Consequently, this study fills this gap by examining the effect of employee retention strategies on brain drain mitigation in the Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) Sector, with specific reference to Lubcon Nigeria Limited. The study was underpinned by 2 theories: Social Exchange Theory and Human Capital Theory. A sample of 263 staff was used to represent the study’s population of the Lubcon workforce operating in Kwara State, Lagos State, and FCT Abuja, based on its staff strength of 769. A questionnaire was used to collect the data, and analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS v28. It was found that career development opportunities in the home country significantly influence employees’ decisions to remain with their current employer in the NOG (R = 0.722; β = 0.304; T = 3.410; p = 0.001). Similarly, the work-life balance strategies in the home country have a significant effect on employees’ quality of life in the NOG (R = 0.756; β = 0.353; T = 3.571; p = 0.000). The study concluded that while both career development and work-life balance are key retention factors, they should not be viewed in isolation. But a comprehensive approach that includes competitive compensation, job security, and career development, along with work-life balance policies, is essential to a committed and satisfied workforce. Employers should regularly review and adjust compensation packages to remain competitive within the industry.