Effect of Assurance Services on Corporate Decision Making in Nigeria

The unprecedented increase in the demand of quality information by corporate and non-corporate entities has made the need for relevant, reliable and sufficient information necessary in effective and efficient running of the entities. The increasing complexity of business transactions, heightened regulatory requirements and the growing demand for reliable financial and non financial information have made assurance services indispensable in modern corporate governance. This study examines the effect of assurance services on corporate decision making in Nigeria. Specifically, the study evaluates how financial statement assurance, internal control assurance, sustainability assurance and information technology assurance influence strategic, operational, investment and financing decisions of corporate organizations. The study adopts a quantitative survey research design using primary data collected through structured questionnaire administered to finance managers, auditors, directors, accountants and chief executive officers of selected listed companies in Nigeria. The sample size is 150 out of a population of 570 based on judgmental sampling technique. Data are analyzed using the non parametric statistical tool. The findings reveal that assurance services significantly enhance the credibility, transparency and reliability of corporate information thereby improving managerial decision quality. The study concludes that organizations that embrace comprehensive assurance services are more likely to make informed strategic decisions, improve stakeholder confidence, reduce information asymmetry and achieve sustainable organizational performance. The study recommends increased investment in assurance services, adoption of integrated assurance frameworks, continuous professional development of assurance practitioners and stronger regulatory enforcement system.