International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VIII, August 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Transparency and Accountability in Government: The Nigerian Experience

Asadu Ikechukwu PhD¹, Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka P.hD^2
1Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
²Department of Sociology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State Nigeria

Abstract: Accountability and transparency have occupied central stage in modern day government as strategies for promoting good governance. As prevailing democratic ingredients in public administration, the concepts have been subjected to diverse interpretations, application and dimensions by scholars, bureaucrats and policy analysts. The study methodically examined the hypothetical underpinnings of the concepts vis-à-vis the pragmatic forms and mechanism drawing from Nigeria political standpoint. Pertinent data generated from documents and interview were subjected to contextual-descriptive analysis to demonstrate that accountability and transparency, both in practice and theory, have political, administrative, legal, financial, economic and social angles and can be enthrone through multifarious inbuilt-bureaucratic cum policy measures such as election, referendum, recall, voice, exit, executive-based mechanism, whistle blowing, ombudsman, freedom of information, assembly process and judicial review. To enhance accountability and transparency in Nigeria there is imperative need for grass roots public enlightenment, strengthening of whistle blowing policy and the judicial institution, capacity building and effective use of freedom of information Act.

Keywords: accountability, transparency, government, theories, mechanism,

I.INTRODUCTION

In modern-day democratic social order, the pervasiveness of transparency and accountability has been on the increase as novel challenges faced by administrations crop up. Democracy remains hypothetical if those in public authorities cannot be translucent and held liable to account for their act of omissions, commissions, policies and outlay in the conduct of their authorized responsibilities. Since 1960, when Nigeria got its political self-rule, consecutive governments, both military and civilian have been blamed by public analysts and anti-corruption campaign organizations for the wretched state of transparency and accountability in public administration. The organization of public assets during the prolonged military regimes was oblique in cover up owing to restricted citizens partaking in governance practice and lack of right to use information about government activities. Thus, the control of public wealth and apparatus were entrusted in the hands of military oligarchy cum cabal characterized by domination system as well as sturdy abhorrence to free will of information and accountability
Unfortunately, the return of the country to elected regime on May 29th, 1999 and the commencement of the fourth republic have not outstandingly reduced the rapidity of