Firm attributes and integrated reporting: empirical evidence from listed insurance companies in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the effect of firm attributes on integrated reporting among listed insurance companies in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigates the effects of firm size, profitability, and leverage on integrated reporting. Methodology: The study adopted an ex-post facto research design and a panel-data approach. The population comprised 22 listed insurance companies in Nigeria, from which 12 insurance companies were purposively selected. Secondary data were obtained from the audited annual reports of the sampled companies covering the period 2016–2025, yielding 120 firm-year observations. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, diagnostic tests, the Hausman specification test, and random-effects panel regression with Driscoll–Kraay robust standard errors. Results and conclusion: The findings reveal that firm size has a positive and significant effect on integrated reporting, while profitability has a negative but insignificant effect. Leverage has a negative and significant effect on integrated reporting. The study concludes that firm size and leverage significantly influence integrated reporting among listed insurance companies in Nigeria, whereas profitability does not significantly influence integrated reporting. Implication of findings: The findings imply that larger insurance companies are more likely to provide comprehensive integrated reporting, while highly leveraged firms tend to provide less extensive reporting. Insurance companies should therefore strengthen their integrated reporting practices, particularly among smaller and highly leveraged firms. Regulatory authorities should also enhance monitoring and provide clearer guidelines to promote consistent and comprehensive integrated reporting practices.