CORPORATE ATTRIBUTES AND ENVIRONMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF LISTEDCONSUMER GOODS FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of corporate attributes specifically company size and
company age on environmental disclosure among listed consumer goods firms in
Nigeria. In light of increasing environmental concerns and global emphasis on
sustainability reporting, this research addresses the gap in empirical literature
concerning how internal firm characteristics influence environmental disclosure
practices, particularly in developing economies. Using a panel data set of 21 listed
consumer goods firms on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group from 2015 to 2024, the
study applies panel regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between the selected
corporate attributes and environmental disclosure, while controlling for financial
leverage and profitability. Environmental disclosure is measured using a checklist based
on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators, and the data were manually extracted
from annual reports and sustainability disclosures. The results reveal that company size,
and company age have positive and statistically significant effects on environmental
disclosure. The study concludes that firm-specific characteristics are critical
determinants of environmental transparency and recommends that policymakers
develop incentive-based frameworks to encourage environmental reporting, especially
among smaller and younger firms.