This study examines the association between managerial ability and audit pricing in the Nigerian banking sector between 2011 and 2022. Using a multi-theoretical framework, audit pricing is regressed on managerial ability using shape-restricted regression splines comprising restricted cubic splines, monotone spline, integrated spline, integrated basis spline, basis spline, natural cubic spline, and integrated natural cubic spline. Managerial ability is proxied using bias-corrected two-stage bootstrapped truncated regression. Consequently, managerial ability is classified into low, intermediate, and high-ability regions. Audit pricing is proxied by audit fees. The results show three knots demarcating the boundaries of four segments, indicating non-linearity. Furthermore, the results reveal that the effect of managerial ability on audit pricing is insignificantly negative in the low-ability region, statistically positive in the intermediate-ability region, and statistically negative in the high-ability region. The study recommends continuous learning and training programmes aimed at improving managers’ abilities.