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Transparency and Accountability in Government: The Nigerian Experience

Author

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  • Asadu Ikechukwu, Ph.D

    (Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria)

  • Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka Ph.D

    (Department 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-Ã -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.

Suggested Citation

  • Asadu Ikechukwu, Ph.D & Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka Ph.D, 2021. "Transparency and Accountability in Government: The Nigerian Experience," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 5(08), pages 16-29, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:5:y:2021:i:08:p:16-29
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    References listed on IDEAS

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