The Role of Environmental Policy in Influencing Governance and Sustainability Practices Among Nigerian Quoted Companies: A Proposed Framework

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to introduce a moderator to strengthen the relationship between institutional factors and corporate managers’ immersion as governance attributes toward firms’ sustainability initiatives.   Theoretical framework: A proposed model based on the developed hypothesis was formulated based on empirical and theoretical facts to support the concepts of institutional and legitimacy theories.   Design/methodology/approach: The research uses a quantitative method that examines the quoted companies rated and ranked by Nigeria’s World CSR Consensus rating, including all Financial and Non-Financial sectors. It also assesses the companies’ roles in encouraging friendly environmental practices.   Findings: The consequence of this report shows that Just 26 corporations have occupied a position on corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with Access Bank having the highest significant value of 99% and UAC Nigeria Plc having the lowest value of 1%. Additionally, only 90 out of 156 Nigeria’s publicly traded firms have been assessed and recognized by CSRHUB, having the lowest percentage.   Research, Practical & Social implications: since there are no standard ways of enhancing the institutional factors and corporate managers’ immersion rapport to add to the body of knowledge, Environmental Policy is proposed and recommended as essential in shaping future planning and sustainability practices.   Originality/value: To strengthen and increase the sustainability practices success of these firms, they must pay more attention to the environmental policies and the factors that influence them. Further studies might consider improving the research by analyzing the variables in the proposed model based on the hypothesis formulated and the time-variant.