Financial Reporting and Shareholders’ Crave for Investment in Nigerian Listed Companies: The Earnings Management Question

This study examined the extent to which earnings management could be a factor in the higher value of stock in the Nigerian capital market, thereby being an inducement to invest in companies listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The contemporary viewpoint of financial consultants, firm of auditors and academicians about the subject matter was sought. Interviews were granted, in conjunction with secondary data from the Security and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. A comprehensive research design which was garnished by the use of content analysis of relevant literature and theories was adopted. The findings of previous empirical studies were corroborated in the analysis from discussions with accounting professionals in the academia and audit firms. It was concluded that most investments in quoted companies are made as a result of earnings management mechanisms inherent in financial reports. It was recommended that the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and every stakeholder should act to ensure that corporate governance practice is actually achieved for sound financial reporting practice.