Analysis of the Nexus between CEO Pay and Performance of Non-Financial Listed Firms in Nigeria

This study examines the causal relationship between CEO pay and firm performance in Nigeria for the period 1998-2010, using annual data of 63 non-financial listed firms. We adopt a two-step dynamic generalized method of moments to explore the causal relationship. The study establishes a bi-directional relationship between CEO pay and firm performance. While CEO pay Granger-causes firm performance, firm performance also Granger-causes CEO pay. It implies that CEO pay acts both as a reward and a performance motivator. This study therefore suggests that CEO pay effectively aligns shareholders' interests with those of CEOs; hence stakeholders should focus more on CEO pay as a corporate governance mechanism to reduce agency problem in non-financial listed firms in Nigeria.