The moderating role of corporate governance on corporate social responsibility and tax aggressiveness: evidence from Nigeria

Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and tax aggressiveness, with a particular focus on the moderating role of corporate governance. Methodology: The study used panel data from one hundred and two Nigerian listed firms covering ten years (2013-2022) and employed the fixed effects panel data regression technique. Results and conclusion: It was discovered that only economic social responsibility has a significant direct and interaction effect relationship with tax aggressiveness. While legal & ethical responsibility has a significant relationship with tax aggressiveness before moderation, the interaction effect is not significant. Lastly, philanthropic responsibility did not have any significant direct and interaction effect relationship with tax aggressiveness. Implication of findings: The findings indicate that CSR dimensions exhibit mixed relationships with tax aggressiveness, while corporate governance significantly moderates this relationship. This is suggestive that it is necessary for management to uphold strong internal governance.