The Extent of Accountability in Nigerian Public Offices

Abstract

There is no system that is watertight from control view point. Thus, this study assesses the extent of Accountability in selected public offices. Inductive approach to research is adopted and the data are collected from primary source. The study finds that most Nigerian public office holders stay away from their responsibilities of transparency, prudence and Accountability. This serve as the main root cause of the current social, political and economic crises in the country. The study thereafter, concludes that the pattern of accountability in our public sector is far below the standard set by the law. Based on this, honesty, competence, prudence and transparency are recommended to be the basis on which staff are appointed into such offices. The Accountant - General and his minor officers in States and Local government should prepare the accounts and reports accurately and present them on a timely basis to the general public. The Auditor -General's office and similar offices in the other tiers should ensure compliance, or report to the appropriate authority any deviation from the standard. Nigerian School of Accounting, Training and Research is also recommended to be established. The School should among other things support professional accounting bodies to carter for Nigeria's peculiar Accounting information needs and problems. In addition law enforcement agencies on the violation should be allowed to carry their duties of prosecuting offenders without