Accountability of Government Operations, Fiscal Transparency and Performance Measurement in Nigeria: A Review of Laws and Their Application in Public Sector

Abstract

This paper reviewed accountability of government operations: a review of fiscal transparency and performance measurement of public sector officials in Nigeria public sector by evaluating the extant laws that established the country’s anti-corruption Institutions, their mode of operations in enhancing fiscal transparency, accountability and the performance of the officials of the agencies. The study employed specialized and targeted method in enlisting 500 professional Accountants and Auditors as respondents to evaluate the general perception of ineffectiveness and inefficiency in Nigeria public sector anti-graft agencies, officials’ lack of accountability and transparency as well as flawed anti-corruption laws adequacy in addressing public sector fiscal transparency, accountability and curbing of corruption in the Public Service. The result of the study in percentage evaluation of the study areas and their relative importance index revealed porous anti-corruption legal Act, judicial compromises in prosecution of corruption cases, weak technical knowledge of officials and extreme external influences on public sector service officials. The study recommend the review of the anti-corruption laws to address the identified loopholes in Code of Conduct Act, prompt prosecution of anti-corruption cases devoid of technicalities rather ethical consideration in judgments, recruitment of professionals, enhancement of on the job training, insertion of strong safeguard clauses in Public Financial Regulations Act and other public service laws to protect the independence of public servants to prevent current external pressure on public sector officials and high penalty for anti-corruption offences.