FIRST AND FOREMOST, I GIVE ALL GLORY AND HONOUR TO ALMIGHTY GOD FOR GRANTING ME THE WISDOM, STRENGTH, AND GOOD HEALTH TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THIS PROJECT WORK AND MY HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA PROGRAMME. I OWE MY SINCERE APPRECIATION TO MY PROJECT SUPERVIS

In Nigeria, shareholders’ returns in deposit money banks lag behind those in developed and emerging economies, largely due to recurring corporate governance scandals that have impaired bank efficiency. This study investigates the impact of corporate governance practices on shareholders’ returns in Nigerian deposit money banks. Shareholders’ returns are proxied by earnings per share (EPS), dividends per share (DPS), economic value added (EVA), and return on equity (ROE), while corporate governance practices are measured by board diversity (BD), risk committee (RC), audit committee (AC), and board nomination committee (BNC). The study sample comprises thirteen Nigerian deposit money banks selected by market capitalization as of December 2024. Secondary data from published financial reports were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including panel regression models (fixed effect, random effect, and pooled OLS). Correlation analysis confirmed weak positive relationships among governance variables, with no multicollinearity detected. Results show that BD, AC, and BNC positively influence EPS, while RC has a negative effect, with the overall effect on EPS being significant. AC and BNC significantly affect DPS, whereas BD and RC do not. Corporate governance practices were found to have no significant effect on ROE. For overall shareholders’ return, RC and BNC exhibited significant effects, while BD and AC were insignificant. The findings highlight the importance of board diversity, audit, and nomination committees in enhancing shareholders’ returns. The study recommends merit-based board appointments aligned with ownership structures and calls for robust governance frameworks to balance management and shareholder interests ethically and legally. Regulatory authorities should strengthen oversight to promote bank stability and prevent distress.