Green Accounting Practices and Sustainable Development Goal Achievement of Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria
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This study examined the relationship between green accounting practices and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) achievement of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study was motivated by the increasing global emphasis on sustainable development and the growing need for manufacturing firms to integrate environmental accountability into their operational and reporting systems. An ex post facto research design was adopted, utilizing panel data obtained from the audited annual reports and sustainability reports of fifteen (15) listed manufacturing firms quoted on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) over the period 2020–2025. Secondary data were collected through a structured content analysis approach, while the study employed a balanced panel dataset consisting of ninety (90) firm-year observations. Sustainable Development Goal achievement was measured using an SDG Achievement Index, whereas Green Accounting Practices were measured using a Green Accounting Practice Index. Firm size, leverage, and firm age were included as control variables. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, diagnostic tests, and panel regression techniques comprising Pooled Ordinary Least Squares, Random Effects, and Fixed Effects estimators. The Hausman Specification Test indicated that the Fixed Effects model was the most appropriate estimator. The regression results revealed that green accounting practices have a positive and statistically significant relationship with Sustainable Development Goal achievement (β = 0.612, p < 0.001). The findings further showed that firm size and firm age positively influence Sustainable Development Goal achievement, while leverage exerts a significant negative effect. The study concludes that the adoption of green accounting practices enhances corporate environmental accountability and significantly contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study recommends that manufacturing firms strengthen environmental accounting systems, improve sustainability disclosures in line with international reporting standards, and increase investments in environmentally sustainable technologies. Regulatory agencies should also strengthen mandatory environmental reporting requirements to improve corporate contribution toward sustainable development.
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