Corporate governance reforms and bank performance in Nigeria: An empirical assessment of listed banks (2018–2023)

This study investigates how corporate governance reforms influence the performance of listed Nigerian banks in the period following the 2018 revision of the national governance code. Anchored in agency theory, the research examines whether strengthened oversight mechanisms, particularly board composition, independence, and control structures, have translated into measurable improvements in financial outcomes. Using panel data from fourteen banks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange between 2018 and 2023, the study employs Ordinary Least Squares regression to analyse the relationship between governance variables and key performance indicators. Findings are expected to clarify the extent to which governance reforms have enhanced transparency, accountability, and risk management within the sector, especially in the wake of post‑crisis regulatory tightening. By providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of governance mechanisms in Nigeria’s banking industry, the study contributes to ongoing debates on corporate governance in emerging economies and offers policy‑relevant insights for regulators, investors, and bank boards seeking to strengthen organizational performance and stability.