SALEM JOURNAL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

The study investigated the effect of disruptive technologies on organizational performance of brewery firms in South-South, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to ascertain the effect of cloud computing on operational efficiency, assess the effect of internet of things on workflow optimization of brewery firms in South-South. This study adopted the survey research design. The study adopted primary data to gather information from the respondents. The population is nine hundred and eighty-nine (989). The sample size was three hundred and seventy-four (374). This study adoptedthe simple stratified sampling technique. Pearson correlation coefficient were used to test the relationship dependent and independent variables of the study. A total of three hundred and seventy-four (374) copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the selected breweries firms in South-South Nigeria. Out of this number, sixty-three (63) copies of questionnaire were lost/wrongly filled with percentage ratio of 16.8% while three hundred and eleven (311) copies of questionnaire were correctly filled and returned with percentage ratio of 83.2% and this formed the basis of the study.the finding of the study that there is a positive significant effect between cloud computing and operational efficiency of brewery firms in south-south. There is a positive significant effect between internet of things and workflow optimization of brewery firms in south-south. The study concluded that brewery firms that strategically invest in and integrate modern technological innovations into their operations are more likely to achieve sustainable growth, operational excellence, competitive advantage, customer satisfaction, and long-term survival in the contemporary businessenvironment. The study recommended that brewery firms in South-South Nigeria should invest more in cloudcomputing infrastructure to improve operational efficiency, data storage, communication, and accessibility of organizational information across different departments and branches.

The study examined environmental accounting disclosure,operational efficiencies and financial performance of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The studied adopted ex post facto research design. The study population covered 102 listed non-financial firms in Nigeria.A purposive sampling techniques were used to select 70 non-financial firms in Nigeria that covered the period of 2015–2024. Secondary data were employed while descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analysis techniques..The findings revealed that mediation analysis in this study shows the impact of operational efficiency in the relationship between environmental accounting disclosure (EAD) and financial performance (FP) of listed non-financial firms listed in Nigeria, as shown R² = 0.673, Adjusted R² = 0.630, F(12, 683) = 15.81, p < .001 and R² = 0.927, Adjusted R² = 0.917, F(13, 682) = 95.70, p < .001. the study concluded higher operational efficiency can effectively convert environmental accounting disclosures into financial performance of listed non-financial performance in Nigeria with significantl increase in assets turnover and return on assets . This study therefore recommends that Nigeria Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) should set compulsory guidelines and reporting standards for environmental accounting disclosures Firms should get themselves equipped with globally recognized framework such as the GRI for consistent, comparable and quality disclosure of environmental costs, compliance, waste management and emissions. This will build investor confidence, inform investment decisions on environmental risks and encourage firms to consider environmental factors in their business strategies, thereby enhancing financial outcomes and promoting sustainable growth.

Purpose - This study examined the relationship between public health expenditure and economic growth in Nigeria between 1988 and 2023.Design/methodology/approach - The study employed a time-series econometric approach using the ARDL model to examine the short-run and long-run relationships between public health expenditure and economic growth. Data were sourced from the World Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria.Findings - The results showed that public health expenditure has a positive and statistically significant effect on economic growth in both the short run and the long run. Improved health outcomes, such as higher life expectancy and lower mortality rates, also positively influence economic performance. However, inefficiencies in health expenditure were identified, indicating the need for better resource allocation and governance.Originality/value – The study contributes to the literature by analysing the relationship between public health expenditure and economic growth in Nigeria using the ARDL approach, providing policy insights for sustainable economic development.

The study investigates Board Diversity and Firm Value of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria and examines whether gender diversity, ethnic diversity, age diversity, and financial expertise influence firm value among manufacturing firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group over the period 2015–2025. Specifically, the study assessed the effects of gender diversity, ethnic diversity, age diversity, and financial expertise on firm value, measured by Tobin’s Q. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, while purposive sampling was used to select ten manufacturing firms with adequate disclosures. Secondary data were obtained from audited annual reports, corporate governance reports, and other authoritative disclosures. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, pooled multiple regression, fixed-effects and random-effects models, the Hausman specification test, and variance inflation factor were employed. The descriptive results indicated variation in board diversity, while correlation analysis showed no statistically significant association between any board-diversity dimension and firm value. The pooled regression revealed that gender diversity had a negative but insignificant effect, whereas ethnic diversity, age diversity, and financial expertise had positive but insignificant effects. The fixed- and random-effects estimations produced similar conclusions, and the Hausman test supported the random-effects model. The study concludes that board diversity does not significantly determine firm value within the sampled firms. It recommends that manufacturing firms prioritize competent, independent, and actively participating directors alongside demographic diversity. The study implies that diversity policies should emphasize effective governance and strategic contribution rather than representation alone, while future research should incorporate other firm-specific and market determinants of value.

This study investigated the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on money market performance in Nigeria for the period 1990 - 2024. Exchange rate was pictured using Naira to Dollar, Naira to British Pound and Naira to Swiss Franc exchange rates while money market performance was gauged using outstanding value of money market instruments. Adopting a quasi-experimental research design, secondary data on the aforementioned variables were used for the study and these data were sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin, 2023 and 2025(Q1) editions. The data set so assembles was first subjected to descriptive analysis, and subsequently to Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) unit root test, Johansen cointegration test, granger causality test, ECM estimation and a set of post estimation (diagnostic) tests. Results basically revealed that Naira-US Dollar exchange rate has a positive insignificant effect on value of outstanding money market instruments while Naira-British pound and Naira-Swiss Franc exchange rates have negative insignificant influences on value of outstanding money market instruments. Subsequently, the study showed that there is a long run equilibrium relationship between the variables to the extent that in event of any shock, the speed of adjustment is about 10.98% per annum. The study therefore concluded that exchange rate movements have a long run insignificant effect on money market performance in Nigeria. Hence, there is need to strengthen the naira by taking drastic and proactive measures that will discourage importation and encourage exportation; there is need to encourage more investments into the Nigerian money market by arresting the deteriorating security situation in the country as investment tends to flow away from environments where there is instability, uncertainty and insecurity; and there is urgent need for serious publicity and education about the existence and benefits of patronizing the money market. These moves will reposition the Nigerian capital market and enable it to attract more funds.   

The Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in Nigeria represents a major reform aimed at addressing the inefficiencies of the erstwhile Defined Benefit Scheme. This study examines CPS as a strategic tool for economic development, focusing on its contributions to capital formation, financial market development, savings mobilization, and social security. Using descriptive and analytical approaches and drawing on existing literature, the study finds that CPS has significantly enhanced long-term fund availability and contributed to economic growth in Nigeria. However, challenges such as limited coverage, compliance issues, and investment constraints persist. The study concludes that while CPS is not a complete solution, it remains a critical driver of sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

With the growing recognition of human capital as a strategic asset, there is increasing concern about the extent to which investments in human resources translate into improved financial outcomes, particularly within the oil and gas sector. Despite this importance, empirical evidence on the relationship between human resource accounting (HRA) practices and financial performance in Nigeria remains limited and inconclusive. This study examined the effect of human resources accounting (HRA) practices on the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex post facto research design and relied on secondary data sourced from the published annual reports and accounts of selected quoted oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group for the period 2015–2024. HRA practices are proxied by recruitment cost, training and development cost, and employee welfare cost, while financial performance is measured using Earnings per Share (EPS) and Net Profit. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel data regression techniques, including fixed and random effects models. Relevant post-estimation and diagnostic tests were conducted to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results. The findings revealed that HRA practices have a significant effect on the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The study concluded that effective investment in human resources enhances firm profitability and market valuation. It therefore recommended that there should be a budgetary allocation for training and development programs, oil and gas companies strengthen human capital investment strategies and adopt improved human resources accounting and disclosure practices to enhance financial performance and stakeholder confidence.

This study evaluates the influence of corporate social responsibility reporting on firm performance as captured via their net profit margin and return on assets over the study period of 2012 to 2022. The study employed the stationarity test because of its statical properties, the panel regression test in its pooled random and fixed effects variants, followed by the co-integration test, error correction model and stacked granger causality test that analyzed causal relationship between relevant variables. The research employed secondary data which were  obtained from annual report of quoted oil and gas companies to test seven hypotheses related to community development costs, human capacity development costs, employee benefit costs, and firm size. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between community development costs and net profit margin, emphasizing the impact of strategic investments in community development on profitability. However, no significant relationship is found between community development costs and return on asset. Human capacity development costs did not exhibit a significant relationship with either net profit margin or return on asset. Notably, a negative relationship is identified between employee benefit costs and net profit margin, prompting recommendations for careful management of benefit programs. Firm size positively moderates the relationship in the net profit margin model, indicating potential advantages for larger companies, while its impact on return on asset is not statistically significant. Therefore, the study advises decision-makers to act towards optimizing resource allocation, fostering sustainable community development, and maintaining a balanced approach to employee benefits.

National development planning has long been regarded as a critical instrument for achieving sustained economic growth and structural transformation, particularly in developing economies such as Nigeria. This study examines the role of development planning in Nigeria with specific emphasis on the First (1962–1968) and Fourth (1981–1985) National Development Plans. Drawing on descriptive and comparative analysis, the study highlights the objectives, sectoral allocations, implementation strategies, and outcomes of both plans within the broader context of Nigeria’s development experience. The findings reveal that while the First National Development Plan recorded relatively strong economic performance, marked by infrastructural expansion and moderate GDP growth, the Fourth National Development Plan was largely undermined by poor implementation, fiscal constraints arising from oil price shocks, rising external debt, and frequent changes in government. The study further underscores that Nigeria’s development challenges are less attributable to poor planning frameworks than to weak implementation mechanisms, inadequate project monitoring, cost overruns, and pervasive corruption. In addition, the paper situates subsequent initiatives such as Vision 20:2020, the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), and State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategies (SEEDS) as efforts to address past shortcomings through improved coordination and accountability. The study concludes that effective national development in Nigeria requires strengthened institutional capacity, enhanced project management culture, reduced corruption, and greater emphasis on implementation and monitoring.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance has become a central determinant of corporate legitimacy, particularly in the post-2020 era when global disruptions and sustainability imperatives reshaped stakeholder expectations. This paper conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of 23 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 to critically examine the relationship between ESG performance and corporate reputation, with an emphasis on emerging economies such as Nigeria. The findings reveal persistent conceptual ambiguities in defining and measuring reputation, with approaches ranging from stakeholder surveys to disclosure indices and market proxies. Empirical evidence generally supports a positive ESG–reputation linkage, though the strength and persistence of this relationship are contingent on mediating factors (e.g., transparency, stakeholder engagement, legitimacy) and moderating conditions (e.g., regulatory enforcement, industry visibility, firm size, governance quality). Sectoral and contextual differences are especially pronounced in Nigeria, where community-level pressures and weak regulatory enforcement shape reputation formation differently from developed markets. The review highlights gaps in methodological diversity, with quantitative approaches dominating while qualitative and mixed methods remain underutilized. Theoretically, stakeholder and legitimacy perspectives dominate, but recent contributions point to the need for integrating institutional and reputation capital theories to account for emerging market dynamics. The paper concludes by proposing a future research agenda that emphasizes multi-method triangulation, context-sensitive theoretical refinement, and hybrid measurement approaches capable of capturing both relational and market-based dimensions of reputation.

Persistent growth performance disparities among African economies despite increased trade openness put into question the effectiveness of trade openness in driving sustainable development. This study explores the influence of trade openness on economic growth in South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria, and Egypt (SANE) using data from annual data spanning 1986-2023 obtained from World Development Indicators. The study is based on the endogenous growth theory with trade openness, inflation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) as explanatory variables. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing method, long-run as well as short-run dynamics are estimated. The results indicate that trade openness is a strong supporter of long-run economic growth in South Africa and Algeria, whereas FDI and GFCF are the main drivers in Egypt. By contrast, none of the macroeconomic determinants have a persistent influence on growth in Nigeria with far-reaching implications for structural and institutional issues. Inflation always represents a negative contribution to growth in the majority of countries, which underscores the importance of macroeconomic stability. The study highlights the country-specificity of the macroeconomic variables' influence on growth. Based on this result, the paper recommends that certain policies encouraging greater trade integration, investment efficiency, and inflation control are required to guarantee long-term growth in the SANE region.

The study investigated liquidity management Measures of banks and capital formations in Nigeria covering the periods 1981 to 2023. Liquidity management was captured using liquidity ratio, loan-to-deposit ratio; treasury bills subscriptions by Deposit Money Banks and savings/deposit rate. Capital formations on the other hand was proxied by gross fixed capital formations (GFCF). Data on these variables were collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ardl) approach to cointegration analysis was used to analyse the data. Results from statistical estimations revealed the existence of long run association between liquidity management measures of Deposit Money Banks and capital formations in Nigeria. The study further revealed that, short-run distortions can be significantly corrected in the long-run at the speed of 37.96 %. Based on results, it was advised that existing liquidity management measures adopted by banks should be sustained given its significant effects on capital formations in Nigeria. The said measures should further be deepened for optimum results viz-a-viz capital formations in Nigeria.