Corporate Characteristics and Implementation of Integrated Reporting Framework of Listed Oil and Gas Firms in Nigeria

The demand for better corporate information by various stakeholders across the globe has necessitated a paradigm shift from the traditional financial reporting to more comprehensive financial and non-financial information in a single report, known as integrated reporting. The aim of this study is to empirically investigate the effect of corporate characteristics (firm size, board size, share ownership structure and profitability) on the implementation of integrated reporting framework in listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria. A census sampling technique was adopted, using the total population of eleven (11) oil and gas firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as of 31st December 2020 as the sample, since the firms are few. Data was drawn from annual reports obtained from the companies’ websites from the period of 2011 – 2020. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, a serial correlation test, and panel least square regression technique. The findings revealed a positive effect of corporate characteristics on integrated reporting frameworks, which is statistically significant for profitability, firm and board size. It was concluded that size of the firm, board size, and profitability have a positive and momentous statistical influence on implementation of integrated reporting framework, while share ownership structure has an insignificant influence. It was recommended that the accounting regulatory authorities consider making an integrated reporting framework mandatory, especially for listed firms in Nigeria, in line with the international integrated reporting council framework.