CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH DIVIDEND POLICIES OF BANKS IN NIGERIAN CAPITAL MARKET (2003-2022)

ABSTRACT: This study evaluates the corporate governance and its relationship with dividend policies of banks in nigerian capital market  using five commercial banks out of the fifteen that are listed on the Nigerian capital market over the period of 2003-2022. Data was collected from the Annual reports and accounts of the sampled banks. A panel data methodology (Random-effect GLS regression technique) was employed for the analysis of data. The results reveal that Audit Committe has significant effect on dividend payout ratio, Board size and CEO duality has insignificant effect, while board of Directors exhibit negative but insignificant effect. It is recommended that since the fundamental purpose of any company is the creation and delivery of long-term sustainable value in a manner consistent with their obligations as a responsible corporate citizen, then the Bank should therefore views corporate governance not as an end in itself but a vital facilitator to the creation of long- term value for all stakeholders. And to enhance the level of influence of Corporate Governance on Dividend Payout Ratio to higher level in the Nigerian Banking Industry, Management equity holding should be increased as this will make the management to protect not only their interest but the interest of all stakeholders.