Title:
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISM AND FINANCIAL DISTRESS LIKELIHOOD: EVIDENCE FROM LISTED CONSUMER GOODS COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

Authors:
Pirdam Binwai and I A Mustapha

Abstract:
This study examined the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on the financial distress likelihood of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria for a period of fifteen years (2008-2022). Published annual reports were used as secondary data from the sampled firms. The population consists of 13 consumer goods firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange as at 31st December 2021 and the sample size was made up of 13 consumer goods firms having the required data. Atman’s Z- Z-score was used to measure FDL. The study adopted a multiple regression technique in analyzing the data extracted. The study concluded that board gender diversity has a significant effect on the financial likelihood of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. However, board independence did not show significant effects on the financial distress likelihood of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The study recommended that the presence of independent directors on the board should be encouraged as they will enhance monitoring mechanisms and reduce the propensity to likelihood of financial distress. Additionally, the inclusion of female directors should be maintained by the listed consumer goods firm in Nigeria to mitigate the likelihood of financial distress

Keywords:
Financial Distress likelihood, corporate governance mechanism, BGD, BIND, LEV