Effect of Board Attributes on Tax Effectiveness of Listed Commercial Banks in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of board attributes on corporate tax effectiveness of listed commercial banks in Nigeria over the period 2015–2024. Secondary data were obtained from the annual reports of thirteen listed commercial banks and analyzed using the Arellano–Bond dynamic panel Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator to address endogeneity and serial correlation issues. The results revealed that board independence and board financial expertise had positive and statistically significant effects on corporate tax effectiveness. In contrast, board size and gender diversity showed insignificant effects on tax effectiveness. The study concludes that improving the technical capacity and independence of bank boards is essential for strengthening tax governance in Nigeria. It recommends that regulators and shareholders emphasize board quality, optimal size, and expertise development to enhance corporate fiscal accountability and compliance.