Cross-Border Transmission of Interest Rate Shocks: A VAR Analysis of the Nigerian Economy

This paper examined if interest rate shocks from the U.S are transmitted to Nigeria. For this purpose, we collected data on four Nigerian variables (real GDP, CPI, exchange rate and interest rate) and two foreign variables (U.S FFR and the world CPI) for the period 1983-2011. The impulse response analysis of our VAR model shows that Nigerian variables respond insignificantly to shocks from foreign variables. We therefore concluded that shocks in Nigeria are basically home-made.  We recommended that monetary authorities in Nigeria should base their policy making on domestic shocks, as considering external factors might mislead them. Keywords: Interest rate shock, International transmission, Nigeria, U.S.A., VAR

Empirical Study on the Effect of Corporate Eco-Efficiency on the Profitability of Nigerian Breweries Plc

The study is carried out to empirically examine the effect of corporate eco-efficiency on the profitability of Nigerian Breweries plc. An ex –post facto research design approach was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprises of all the firms in brewery industry in Nigeria. Using a panel data for the period of ten (10) years 2008 to 2017, Nigerian Breweries plc was chosen as sample based on the firms’ position as a pioneer, largest brewing company and key player in the industry. Secondary data were obtained from the annual /sustainability reports of the company from 2008 to 2017 financial year. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested in the course of this study. Regression analysis by aid of SPSS v.21 was used to test for statistical effect of the corporate eco-efficiency on the profitability. The results showed that there is positive significant effect of energy efficiency on the profitability of Nigerian Breweries plc.This study further revealed that there is a statistical positive and significant effect of the water utilization (WU) efficiency on the profitability of Nigerian Breweries plc. Finally, the result also established that there is a statistical positive and significant relationship between the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission management and the profitability of Nigerian Breweries plc. Consequent upon the findings, this study recommends among others; that the managers of Brewers should improve in the management of the combined energy usage by the installation of economizers in boiler chimneys and other modern gas-enabled burners.They should also embark on local or national imp-active water balancing Program and construction of wastewater treatment plant in its various branches across Nigeria. The management of Brewers should consider using less fossil fuel for energy and steam generation as well as increased application of solar-powered street lighting to reduce CO2 emission. Keywords: Eco-efficiency, Sustainability reporting, profitability, Nigerian Breweries plc DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-20-01 Publication date:July 31st 201

Effects of an intervention to improve sexual and reproductive health on level and predictors of awareness and knowledge of condoms and dual protection amongst adolescents in Nigeria

Abstract Background Adolescents need both information about sexual behaviours and potential risks in order to make the right choices. This study compared adolescents’ level of awareness and predictors of knowledge of condoms and dual protection where a multi-component sexual and reproductive health (SRH) intervention was implemented and in communities where the intervention was not implemented, so as to understand the effect of the intervention on awareness and knowledge and also identify predictors of knowledge of contraception methods. Methods The study was an intervention study that was undertaken in six local government areas (three rural and three urban LGAs) in Ebonyi state, southeast Nigeria. Data were collected from 855 adolescent boys and girls, using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select eligible households from which adolescents were interviewed Analysis of data was carried out using bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. The level of statistical significance was determined by a p value of < 0.05. Results The level of awareness of condoms and dual protection was similar in the intervention and non-intervention communities. However, the predictors of knowledge about condoms and dual protection were different between the intervention and non-intervention groups. The multivariate linear regression showed that the higher the level of education, the higher the level of awareness of contraception methods among adolescents (p < 0.05). Likewise, increasing age by one year and working for pay increased the awareness of condoms and dual protection(p < 0.05). Conclusion There was no difference in the level of awareness of pregnancy prevention methods, knowledge of condoms and dual protection in both arms of the study. Higher level of education, increasing age, and working for pay are factors associated with awareness of condom and dual protection. These factors should be prioritized for effective Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) programming