Effect of Audit Quality Attributes on Voluntary Disclosure of Listed Non-Financial Firms in Nigeria

This study examines the effect of audit quality attributes on voluntary disclosure of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The study adopts an ex-post facto research design using panel data obtained from the annual reports and accounts of 50 selected non-financial companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) over the period 2015–2024. Secondary data were analyzed using panel regression techniques with the aid of Stata 17. The findings reveal that audit fee has a significant positive relationship with voluntary disclosure. Longer audit tenure is also positively associated with voluntary disclosure practices, suggesting that sustained auditor–client relationships improve the auditor’s understanding of the firm and encourage broader information disclosure. In addition, audit firm size shows a positive and significant influence on voluntary disclosure, indicating that firms audited by larger audit firms tend to disclose more voluntary information due to the reputation, expertise, and professional standards associated with such firms. Similarly, auditor industry specialization positively affects voluntary disclosure, highlighting the importance of industry-specific knowledge in promoting transparent reporting practices. In conclusion, the study establishes that audit quality attributes play a significant role in enhancing voluntary disclosure among listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. Strong audit characteristics improve the credibility, transparency, and reliability of corporate reporting, thereby strengthening stakeholder confidence in financial disclosures. Based on these findings, the study recommends that listed firms should engage reputable and industry-specialized auditors and allocate adequate resources to audit services in order to improve disclosure quality. Regulators such as the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission should also strengthen policies that promote high audit standards and transparency in corporate reporting.