ABSTRACT

This research thesis investigates the problem of corporate failures as a result of

weak internal controls system, which brings about distressness, collapse and withdrawal

of licences of banks by regulatory authorities in Nigeria, thereby bringing untold hardship

to all stakeholders.

The researcher used a sample of seven banks, systematically selected from a

population of twenty-eight banks whose shares were traded on the floor of the Nigerian

Stock exchange as at 22nd August 2003. Questionnaires were administered on 420

respondents, 60 from each of the seven banks, made-up of 20 from the management

staff, 20 from audit staff and 20 from operation/banking staff. Out of this number, only 303

questionnaires were completed and returned. The primary data collected through the

administration of questionnaires was analyzed using simple percentages and chi-

square test (x2), while the secondary data collected from the annual report and accounts

of some of the sample banks was analyzed using spearman rank order correlation and t

statistics.

Thus it was found that effectiveness or otherwise of internal control system can

make or mar corporate survival of banks in Nigeria.

The research work concluded that internal control system is the responsibility of

every body in an organization and as such every staff must be aware of his role in its

process and fully engaged in it.

Finally it recommends that banks managements must put in place a sound

approach to the selection of appropriate internal control practices and procedures,

governed by a process of risk analysis and continuously monitor the overall effectiveness