Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Over the past decade, the relationship between remittance inflows and shareholder value has become a subject of considerable debate among scholars and industry practitioners alike, particularly within the context of Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States where operating conditions differ markedly from more developed markets.

Within the context of Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of remittance inflows on shareholder value, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite a growing body of literature on remittance inflows, there remains limited consensus on the precise nature of its relationship with shareholder value, particularly within Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States. Many organizations continue to make decisions about remittance inflows without a clear, evidence-based understanding of how those decisions ultimately affect shareholder value. This gap between practice and empirical understanding is the central problem this study seeks to address.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Remittance Inflows on shareholder value in Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States.
2. To assess the extent to which remittance inflows influences shareholder value within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with remittance inflows in relation to shareholder value.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing remittance inflows in order to improve shareholder value.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of remittance inflows on shareholder value in Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States?
2. To what extent does remittance inflows influence shareholder value within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with remittance inflows in relation to shareholder value?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize remittance inflows in order to improve shareholder value?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around shareholder value. For managers and practitioners within Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States, the study provides practical insight into how remittance inflows can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on finance / banking by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to an examination of Remittance Inflows and its relationship with shareholder value within the context of Nigeria and Selected ECOWAS Member States. It reflects a clearly defined scope of analysis and relies on data and perspectives available within that scope; generalizing the findings beyond this specific context should therefore be done with appropriate caution.