Gusau International Journal of Management and Social Sciences

Environmental, Social and Governance Disclosures and Value of Firms Listed on the Premium Board of Nigeria Exchange

Oluwamayowa Olalekan Iredele — 2026-01-13

Stakeholders now expect the companies to be further helpful by presenting evident and significant information that are both monetary and non-monetary in nature. The study exertion is baseline research, intended to acquire realistic proof on the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures on the value of firms registered on the premium board of Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was used to gather secondary data from the sustainability and annual reports of 8 companies over 7 years (2017–2023), yielding 56 observations. Regression model is used to analyze the hypotheses and descriptive analysis was utilized in assessing the data. The results showed negative but insignificant relationship between firm value and ESG disclosures. This result implies that ESG disclosures have not yet produced substantial advantages for investors in Nigeria. However, businesses may use sustainability reporting to improve their reputation or comply with regulations, but this hasn't yet produced the signaling effect. This outcome underscores the need for companies to enhance the quality, consistency, and materiality of their ESG reports. Although the study's conclusions might shed light on the Nigerian situation, it's possible that they won't apply directly to further countries or international markets due to the chosen research approach. The study offers a quantitative basis for ESG reporting in developing nations and emphasizes the necessity for businesses to improve the caliber and strategic coherence of ESG disclosures to possibly affect firm value down the road.

Revisiting Nigeria’s Indigenous Industries in Niger State for Students Entrepreneurship in Tertiary Institutions

Paul Boku Kolo — 2026-01-13

Nigeria is endowed with diverse indigenous industries that embody cultural heritage, creativity, and economic resilience. In Niger State, traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, weaving, pottery, leatherwork, and food processing have historically served as vital sources of livelihood. However, the influence of modernization and neglect has led to their decline, even as graduate unemployment continues to rise. This study revisits Nigeria’s indigenous industries in Niger State with a focus on their relevance for fostering student entrepreneurship in tertiary institutions. The study identifies major indigenous industries in the state by examining the challenges confronting them, and explores how their knowledge and practices can be integrated into entrepreneurship education for students. A descriptive research design is used, using qualitative methods. Data were collected through interviews with students, artisans, and, educators. The information gotten was analyzed and translated using thematic analysis. The outcome results indicate that indigenous industries in Niger state remain viable but are underutilized due to lack of modernization, low government support, and limited student exposure. Findings are anticipated which shows that integrating indigenous industry practices into tertiary entrepreneurship curricula will enhance students’ creativity, self-reliance, and job creation potential.

Evaluation of Tax Reforms in Nigeria: Pre-Colonial Era to Tax Act 2025

Eguono Evi Ejuvwiekoko — 2026-01-13

The study evaluates tax reforms in Nigeria: their features, implementations, and limitations. Tax reform issues in Nigeria have been on the front burner from one successive government to another. The whole idea is to diversify the revenue from a non-oil-dependent, revenue-based economy to an oil revenue-based economy and also foster an efficient administrative tax system in Nigeria. The study employed the library research method in examining the trajectory of Nigeria’s tax system, commencing before the pre-colonial era through the landmark tax reform of 1978 to the recent tax reforms of 2025. The study highlights features, achievements, and comparisons of successive tax reforms in Nigeria to the 2025 tax reform. The study reveals that while successive tax reforms progressively made some impact in the Nigerian tax landscape by increasing tax revenue (Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio from 10 percent to 13.5 percent in two years after the implementation of the 2020 tax reform). FIRS were able to achieve this milestone through the introduction of some form of taxes (VAT, education tax) and the use of self-assessment and digital tax filing. However, systemic challenges such as weak implementation, exclusion of the informal sector, and fragmented administration still persist. The 2025 tax reform may mark a huge turn in the Nigeria tax system by integrating technology-driven solutions, compulsory digital services, crypto-currency taxation, a unified tax collection system, and an interface with performance monitoring tools such as revenue efficiency and performance index, with a target of a tax-to-GDP ratio of 18 percent in 2027. The study concludes by predicting that the 2025 tax reforms will enhance digital capacity, while citizen engagement is crucial for Nigeria to achieve long-term revenue sustainability.

Classified Organisations’ Personnel Burnout Effects and Performance Outcomes: Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction

Ayenumelo Olamigoke Fagbuyi — 2026-01-13

Classified personnel, particularly those working for intelligence and security organisations, are subjected to high psychological and operational pressures that influence their well-being and performance. This study investigates the role of job satisfaction as a mediating factor in the interaction between work environment, job demand, transactional stress, and social support on performance outcomes in Nigeria's classified sector. 344 respondents were chosen by random sampling, and Likert-scale 1 – 7 questionnaires were used to gather data. SmartPLS v4.1.0.1 and SPSS v25 were used for descriptive and inferential analysis. Results show that the impacts of all four exogenous variables on performance are considerably mediated by job satisfaction. Supportive work environments improved performance and satisfaction, and high job demand also had a beneficial impact, suggesting that employees are resilient. Through satisfaction, social support and transactional stress also affected results. At the 5% level, every hypothesis was accepted. The study emphasises the necessity for emotionally helpful work environments and incorporates the Job Demand-Control-Support and Social Support theories within Nigeria's classified agencies. To prevent burnout and maintain high performance, institutional changes including planned rest, psychological support, and compassionate leadership are suggested. Despite data restrictions brought on by confidentiality requirements, the results provide a distinctive perspective on the psychological makeup of classified personnel, with ramifications for human resource planning and national security management.

Effect of Naira Redesign Policy on the Performance of SMEs in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State

Ebierinyo Ayebaemi PhD Akarara — 2026-01-13

The Naira redesign policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2022 aimed to curb inflation, reduce counterfeiting, and promote a cashless economy. However, its abrupt implementation disrupted cash-dependent Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where digital payment infrastructure remains underdeveloped. While prior studies on currency reforms often focus on large economies or short-term effects, this study addresses a critical gap by examining the policy’s localized impact on SMEs in a region with low financial inclusion, providing context-specific insights absent in broader analyses. Using a cross- sectional design, data were collected from 360 SMEs via structured questionnaires, analyzed descriptively (mean, SD) and inferentially. Findings reveal statistically significant negative effects: reduced sales revenue (mean = 3.28), profitability decline (mean = 3.53), and cash flow disruptions (mean = 3.42), all scoring above the neutral midpoint (3.0) with narrow standard deviations (0.597–0.858), indicating high consensus. Challenges included limited access to new notes (mean = 3.25), operational cost increases (mean = 3.39), and customer distrust (mean = 3.48). Despite these setbacks, the policy spurred digital payment adoption (mean = 3.26), though SMEs faced implementation barriers like infrastructure gaps. The study underscores the need for phased monetary reforms complemented by targeted support for SMEs. Policy recommendations include: (1) CBN-led SME sensitization programs to improve policy awareness, (2) subsidized POS/Fintech partnerships to reduce digital transition costs, and (3) liquidity buffers for rural financial institutions to mitigate cash shortages. These measures, tied to regulatory action, could balance macroeconomic goals with SME resilience in cash-dependent regions.

Unraveling the Impact of Oil Price Volatilities on Government Recurrent Expenditure in Nigeria

Bright Orhewere — 2025-10-20

This study investigates the fiscal repercussions of crude oil price volatility on government recurrent expenditure (RGEXP) in Nigeria from 1970 to 2022. Employing a three-step econometric approach, it begins with unit root tests using ADF, PP, and KPSS, which reveal a mixture of I(0) and I(1) series. The Bounds Testing technique confirms long-run cointegration among the variables, justifying the use of Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) for estimation. The results show RGEXP responds quickly to oil market disruptions, with stronger reactions in early periods. Internal shocks initially dominate, but external factors—especially government revenue (GOVR) and domestic debt (DDT)—grow increasingly impactful over time. GOVR is consistently the most significant determinant of RGEXP, while DDT’s influence intensifies in post-shock scenarios. Real GDP plays a moderate role in later periods, reflecting economic adaptation. Policy implications include the urgent need for fiscal reforms: diversify revenue sources beyond oil through tax optimization and non-oil sector growth, implement medium-term debt sustainability frameworks, and adoption oil price risk management tools such as hedging and adaptive fiscal rules. These measures aim to enhance Nigeria’s economic resilience, stabilize recurrent spending, and promote sustained macroeconomic stability.

Economic Recession and Youth Unemployment in Nigeria

Michael A. AMAEGBERI — 2025-10-20

This study investigates how economic recessions impact youth unemployment in Nigeria. Secondary data on youth unemployment rate (YUEMP), recession periods (ERES) and Inflation (INF) were sourced from CBN statistical bulletin and World Bank Indicators. The ordinary least square (OLS) estimation method and the error correction model were used. Findings revealed that economic recession has a positive and significant impact on youth unemployment rate in Nigeria (i.e. β = 0.36, p < 0.05). While inflation rate bears a negative and significant impact on youth unemployment rate in Nigeria (i.e., β = -3.47, p < 0.01). Findings suggest recessions disproportionately hurt youth due to structural labor market flaws. Based on the above, the study concludes that economic recessions have a profound and lasting effect on youth unemployment in Nigeria, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in the labour market. It is thus important for policymakers to prioritize vocational training and economic diversification in Nigeria.

Influence of Entrepreneurship Skills and Incentives on Promoting Local Economic Growth among Students in Colleges of Education in North Central, Nigeria

Muhammed Mallam Isgogo — 2025-10-20

This study assesses the influence of entrepreneurship skills and incentives on local economic growth among students in Colleges of Education in North Central region of Nigeria. The study evaluates the effect of entrepreneurship skills possessed by students in Colleges of Education on local economic growth and also examine the role of incentives provided to students in promoting local economic growth in North Central Nigeria. Data were obtained from 378 students randomly selected from seven Colleges of Education across the region, using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression was adopted to analyze the data with STATA software at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that students equipped with entrepreneurship skills were significantly more likely to contribute to local economic growth through business creation, innovation, and job generation. Incentives such as training, mentorship, and limited financial support also had a significant positive impact on students' entrepreneurial intentions. Also lack of startup capital, inadequate mentorship and insufficient incentives are the major barriers that hinder the translation of entrepreneurship skills to ventures by students across Colleges of education in the region. The study concludes that practical entrepreneurship education, supported by adequate incentives, is key to grassroots economic development, and recommends among other that State Governments and stakeholders in the North Central region, in collaboration with Colleges of Education, should develop a Student Venture Fund that provides small, accessible seed grants and connects student entrepreneurs with verified mentors from the local business community.

Marketing Ethics and Consumer Buying Behaviour in Informal Retail Settings: A Desk Research Approach

Ahmed AbdulGaniyu Olowo — 2025-10-20

The vibrant informal markets, where ethical practices or lack thereof play a crucial role in influencing customer purchasing behaviour, despite their unstructured formation. This study examines the connection between consumer purchasing behaviours and marketing ethics in informal retail settings. The study adopted a desk research methodology; the scope covers ethical marketing dimensions such as honest advertisement and transaction transparency as they influence consumers’ purchasing decisions in informal retail settings. This study relies on secondary data sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, institutional reports, and credible online publications related to the theme of the study. A qualitative content analysis technique was employed to interpret and synthesise existing literatures. The examined literature was systematically reviewed, coded, and categorised under thematic areas such as ethical practices in informal markets, honest advertisement, and transaction transparency. A systematic review of 31 peer-reviewed journals revealed that a majority of studies (17/31) found a positive relationship between honest advertising and purchase intention and (14/31) peer- reviewed journals examined revealed a positive relationship between transaction transparency and consumers' word-of-mouth recommendations. These syntheses provide a foundational model for understanding ethical decision-making in informal retail and suggest stakeholders should be proactive about consumer trust. The study concludes that moral responsibility and transparent communication are core drivers of consumer behaviour even in non-regulated market spaces, thereby offering new insights for policymakers, marketers, and entrepreneurs seeking to formalise and professionalise the informal retail sector. The study recommends that stakeholders should prioritise ethical marketing practices to build long-term relationships with the target audience.

Impact of Government Intervention on Academic Staff Productivity in Colleges of Education in North-Central Nigeria

Muhammad Muhammad Shaku — 2025-10-20

The study examined the impact of government interventions on academic staff productivity in government-owned Colleges of Education in North-Central Nigeria. Guided by two objectives with corresponding research questions and hypotheses, the study adopted a descriptive survey design. From a population of 3,098 academic and management staff, a sample of 346 was selected using a stratified sampling technique to ensure proportional representation. Out of the 346 questionnaires administered, 315 were retrieved and analysed. Data were collected using a self- developed instrument titled Government Interventions and Academic Staff Productivity and Performance Questionnaire (GIASPPQ), validated by experts and pilot-tested with 50 staff at Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.75. Descriptive statistics (weighted mean, benchmark = 3.50) and inferential tests (one-sample t-test and chi-square) were conducted using Stata software at the 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that government interventions significantly enhanced academic staff productivity (p < 0.05). Among identified challenges, only one variable (Chall5) showed a significant association with age (χ² = 23.37, df = 12, p = 0.025). It was recommended that government should expand TETFund’s capacity-building programmes and link future grants to measurable improvements in research output and teaching performance.

An Assessment of Public Servants’ Awareness Regarding Records and Information Security in Zanzibar’s Public Sector

Haji Mdungi Haji — 2025-10-20

This study assesses the level of awareness among public servants in Zanzibar’s public sector regarding records and information security. In an era where data integrity and confidentiality are critical to effective governance, the role of public servants in safeguarding organizational information has become increasingly vital. Despite the growing importance of secure information management, gaps in awareness and inconsistent practices pose significant risks to institutional performance and public trust. Using a descriptive mixed-methods approach, the research targeted selected ministries, departments, and agencies through surveys, interviews, and document reviews. The findings reveal varying levels of understanding of records management policies and cybersecurity procedures, with many respondents demonstrating limited familiarity with best practices. Key challenges include inadequate training, outdated systems, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The study highlights the urgent need for policy reforms, capacity-building initiatives, and technological upgrades to enhance information security across the public sector. In identifying critical areas for improvement, the research contributes to the development of more robust data protection strategies and supports the delivery of transparent and accountable public services in Zanzibar.

Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Strategies in Nigeria: Balancing Security and Human Rights

Oluwatobi Peter ADENIYI — 2025-10-20

Terrorism is a complex global issue that has significantly impacted the security of human life and property. This has necessitated various counter-terrorism strategies in Nigeria. However, counter- terrorism strategies that are intended to address the menace have frequently engendered some human rights abuses. Thus, this paper examined terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies in Nigeria with a view to balancing security and human rights. It made use of desk review, while the public choice theory was adopted as framework of analysis. The paper argued that terrorism in Nigeria dated back to the era of slavery, where European imperialists exploited human resources and transformed over the years with serious negative impacts. It was revealed that various counter- terrorism strategies which included the conciliatory, criminal justice and military models were adopted by country though the military model was prioritised. The paper revealed that counter- terrorism strategies adopted often infringed on citizens’ rights to life, privacy, unlawful arrest, detention and torture, personal security, freedom of association and discrimination against people arrested as suspects of terrorism charges. It concluded that security agencies during counter- terrorism operations on many occasions, end-up violating rights of the people in the country. It recommended, among others, that government should set up judicial investigation into the abuses of security forces’ counter-terrorism operations and ensure that those found guilty be punished. Also, the government should ensure that counter-terrorism strategies adhere strictly to international humanitarian law, with a view to prioritising civilian protection and human rights.