Effect of Corporate Governance Mechanisms on Going Concern Likelihood of Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria

Abstract

Going concern describes the company's ability to maintain its business continuity. The auditor can issue a going concern audit opinion if the company's condition is doubtful in its business continuity. Based on this premise, this study investigated the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on the going concern likelihood of Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. The study used an ex post facto research design. The secondary data source was collected from the published annual financial reports of the studied DMBs in Nigeria. The study covered fifteen DMBs in Nigeria, ranging from 2013 to 2021. The data collected were analysed using logistic regression analysis using STATA software. Findings from the research show that board financial expertise and independence negatively and significantly affect the likelihood of DMBs in Nigeria. The study also indicates audit firms' size positively affects going concern likelihood. While audit tenure shows a negative and significant impact on the going concern likelihood of DMBs in Nigeria. Based on the above findings, the study recommends that the authorities ensure that the board has the requisite financial expertise to oversee the financial reporting, risk management, and decision-making of the DMB. The regulatory authorities should also investigate cases of perceived failure of the board to perform its oversight function and take appropriate disciplinary actions against erring board members.