The Impact of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Adoption on the Quality of Financial Statements of Banks in Nigeria.

Abstract

The financial statements of banks are depended upon by a large number of stakeholders. The quality of such financial statements is of paramount importance, especially in the advent of globalization. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) were developed to ensure not only uniform standard but good quality of financial reporting. In Nigeria, doubts have been raised on financial statements of banks in the last decade to the extent that some of these banks failed. This study sets out to examine the impact of IFRSs on the quality of financial statements of banks in Nigeria with emphasis on the comparability, relevancy and clarity of objectives of Nigerian banks. A case study approach was used to arrive at conclusion drawn from the study. This involves a survey of both internal and external stakeholders using a questionnaire. Data obtained were analysed using the Chi-Square technique. Results show that there is a significant relationship between IFRS adoption and the comparability objectives of Nigerian banks as X2-calculated of 14.96 is greater than the X2-critical/table value of 5.99 at 0.05 LOS. It was further discovered that IFRS adoption has a substantial influenced on the relevancy quality as X2-calculated of 14.0 is greater than the X2-critical/table value of 5.99 at 0.05 LOS. It was also found that IFRS adoption has significantly influence the clarity objectives of Nigerian banks as X2-calculated of 25.4 is greater than the X2-critical/table value of 5.99 at 0.05 LOS. It was concluded that IFRS adoption has significant impact on quality of financial statements of banks in Nigeria. It is recommended that the adoption of IFRS in preparation and disclosure of financial statement should be enforced. Auditors should declare if the accounts comply with the requirements of the standards.