Abstract
The study investigated how budgetary control can improve the performance of commercial
banks in Nigeria. The goal was to identify problems associated with budgetary control and
ways to improve commercial banks’ performance via effective budgetary control. Survey
research design was used and a sample of 139 was from the study population. 139 copies of
structured questionnaire were administered to respondents and data obtained were analyzed
using descriptive (mean, frequency counts, simple percentages and standard deviation), and
inferential (regression) statistical techniques. The study found several challenges linked with
budgetary control to include poor management supports and commitments, inadequate
budgetary control by unqualified staff, irregular budgetary review and analysis, and unclear
budgetary guidelines/procedures. Also, the study indicated that with an effective budgetary
control, the performance of publicly listed commercial banks can be improved. On the basis of
the findings, the study recommends that recruitment and participation of qualified staff in
budgeting decisions as well as regular budgetary reviews and analysis in order to facilitate
timely identification of grey areas for improvement needed to drive performance of publicly
listed commercial banks. Also, clear budgetary guidelines/procedures should be established
and communicated to minimize errors and in ensuring robust budgetary control frameworks