An analysis by Nairametrics Research has revealed that twelve publicly listed commercial banks paid over N87.1 billion to audit, consulting and other professional services firms between January and September 2023.
This, compared to the N60.1 billion spent as of the same time last year, represents a 44.9% increase.
A breakdown of the data showed that audit cost stood at N5.87 billion, while professional and contract expenses were N81.2 billion.
For the purpose of context, banks seek the services of accounting firms as auditors to check the accuracy of their financial records.
This is a statutory requirement as it ensures that the accounts of the firm represent a fair and accurate picture of the company’s current financial position as of the date on the balance sheet.
There are several accounting firms operating in Nigeria; however, the Big 4s typically receive the bigger parts of the pie. The Big 4s in no order are PWC, KPMG, Deloitte, and EY. Further findings by Nairametrics Research showed that all the listed commercial banks on the NGX are serviced by either of these Big 4s.
On professional fees
In terms of professional fees, which include legal, consulting, tax, financial and risk advisory, as well as other technologically driven professional services, gulped a total of N81.24 billion in the review period, a sharp contrast from the N55.64 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2022.
While these fees are not statutory, they form an important part of banks’ non-operating expenses. Banks require the services of law firms to represent them in case of litigation, which is not rare in Nigeria, considering the level of regulations in the industry and the risk attached to holding public funds.
For example, Zenith Bank, in its 2022 Audited results, noted that the group was involved in several litigations to the tune of N967 billion claims in 2022, which involved the partnership of their internal litigation group and external solicitors to contest those claims.
Also, Union Bank in its 2022 results reports litigations with contingent liabilities running up to N1.5 trillion, which requires legal advisors to fight the claims.
There are several law firms in the country; however, some of the big names that immediately come to mind in Nigeria’s corporate law are Aluko & Oyebode and Bloomfield LP, amongst others.
It is also worth noting that some of the Big 4 firms offer legal services to clients.
Some other areas where banks spend on professional fees include consulting for HR and strategy, Mergers and acquisitions, capital raise, risk advisory, and tech products, amongst others. Professional services are integral to the smooth running of banks as well as expansion plans.
Examples of some consulting firms in Nigeria are McKinsey and Company, Andersen, Phillips Consulting, among others. Outsourcing to professional service firms enables the banks to focus on their core banking function, while other firms take up their responsibility on their behalf.
Due to the lucrative nature of these industries (Audit and Professional services), the space has also recorded increased competition in recent years. As professional service firms, in their typical fashion, try to poach big-ticket clients.
Banks’ spend breakdown
United Bank for Africa (UBA), according to its nine-month 2023 financial statement, spent a sum of N943 million as audit fees and N35.86 billion for contract services. This makes UBA the highest spender on aggregate and the highest based on professional service expenses.
FBN Holdings, the group company of First Bank, incurred N11.61 billion as professional services cost in the review period, although did not report on its current audit spend, since the report is an unaudited financial statement.
Meanwhile, based on available data, the biggest audit spenders so far are Access Holdings and GTCo with N1.52 billion and N1.09 billion, respectively. This is not surprising considering that the two banks adopt a Holding company structure, with a lot more range of assets across different subsidiaries and sub-sectors.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
