TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION-KEY DRIVERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

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TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION-KEY DRIVERS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract:

Transparency and accountability in public administration are essential pillars for fostering sustainable development, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. This study examines the role of these principles in enhancing governance, improving public service delivery, and promoting socioeconomic progress. It explores how the lack of transparency and accountability in government institutions contributes to corruption, inefficiency, and poor developmental outcomes. Through a critical analysis of existing policies, legal frameworks, and governance practices, the research highlights the challenges Nigeria faces in implementing these principles effectively. Furthermore, it assesses the impact of transparency and accountability initiatives, such as anti-corruption campaigns and public financial management reforms, in driving sustainable development. The study concludes by providing recommendations on how Nigeria can strengthen its public institutions to achieve a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable governance system that supports long-term development goals.

Background to the Study

Nigeria undoubtedly has seen a number of failed and ineffective governance from grassroots to the center level with various leaders betraying the trust of the masses who elected them. The culture of accountability and transparency which sustain the development of democratic institutions was undermined during the military regime in Nigeria (Below, 2019). Unfortunately, this current democratic dispensation did not correct this abnormality rather there is increase of poverty, underdevelopment of economy and corruption. Enahoro (2019) observed that Nigeria has a huge natural resource base, and the potential to translate this to sustainable economy and development that would drastically reduce poverty and make the country a strong partner in the global comity of the nations, but regrettably, despite its potentials, the country has not been particularly successful in using its resources for the general good and sustainable development.

Bates (2010: 42) lamented that even in pre- colonial Africa people benefits from their national resources as leaders ensure that resources are generously shared. In his words:

the evidence suggests that while there was inequality in the states of pre- colonial Africa, those who held positions of privilege had to ensure that the benefits created by states were widely shared. For the bargaining power of the masses, relationship was strong.

If in – colonial Africa, rulers are made accountable to the masses, what of today we are in a democratic dispensation? Probably the civil society groups are not proactive to mobilize and enlighten the citizen on their rights and obligations to demand transparency and accountability.

Sustainable development involves the execution of programmes that offer economic benefits in the present without limiting social and environmental choices that may be available to the people in the future or in other places (Alfayo, 2018). For Scheta (2014) it is a development that provide real improvements in the quality of human life and at the same time conserves the vitals and diversity of the earth’s ecosystems. Good governance on the other hand is the competent management of a country’s resources and affairs in a manner that is open, transparent, accountable, equitable and responsive to the people’s needs (Australian Government, 2020).

According to the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) (2020), good governance is participatory, transparent and accountable. It is also effective and equitable and promotes the rule of law. Good governance ensures that the voices of poorest and the most vulnerable are heard in a decision making over the allocation of developmental resources. The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP), outline eight core characteristics of good governance. They are (1) Participation

(2) Rule of Law (3) Transparency (4) Responsiveness (5) Conscience oriented, (6) Equity (7) Inclusiveness and effectiveness (8) accountability. Conversely bad governance can be seen as situation where the relationship between the government, private sector and civil society is not in order. Bad governance is obtainable where government fails to manage both human and material resources and the institution of a nation for the benefit of generality of the masses.

Transparency and accountability are essential pillars of good governance and public administration, which are increasingly recognized as key drivers for sustainable development in many nations, including Nigeria. Over the years, the need for a more open, transparent, and accountable public sector has gained global attention due to its critical role in fostering development, reducing corruption, and improving the efficiency of government operations. In Nigeria, the demand for transparency and accountability in public administration has grown stronger in response to the persistent challenges of corruption, mismanagement of resources, and weak institutional frameworks that have hindered the country’s progress toward sustainable development.

Transparency in public administration refers to the openness and accessibility of government information, decisions, and operations to the public. It enables citizens to hold public officials accountable for their actions, enhancing trust between the government and the people. Accountability, on the other hand, refers to the responsibility of public officials to justify their decisions, actions, and expenditures, ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and for the benefit of the populace.

Despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources and economic potential, the country faces significant development challenges due to a lack of transparency and accountability in its public sector. Poor governance, misallocation of resources, and the absence of a strong culture of accountability have contributed to high levels of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. As Nigeria seeks to achieve its sustainable development goals (SDGs), strengthening transparency and accountability in public administration has become crucial to building resilient institutions and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Statement of the Problem

The absence of the masses in the political process incapacitated them from holding the political leaders accountable for lack of transparency and other indices of good governance in Nigeria, hence, people are subjected to arbitrary rule. Since the creation of Enugu state there is high level of corruption and bad governance that characterized various administrations that are antithetical to economic growth and community development. The situation became embarrassing during former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani administration when distribution of resources and services to different section of the senatorial zone lacked due process, good governance, transparency, accountability and society responsibility.

The basic democratic, principles such as human rights principles; peoples participation in decision making, accountability, anticorruption and impartiality in resource distribution was lacking in the state and these had reduced social cohesion, heightened level of corruption and high state of insecurity. The forces that took over the state after its creation failed to endorse open political competition and the attendant rights of political expression and public assembly. Symptomatic was the fate of opposition parties in the period immediately following the state independence. The condition at that period was the product of rigged elections, the persecution of political opponents and outlawing of political opponents. The result was hardship for the states citizens. Then came the period under review 2015 – 2021, the masses mobilized the supporters to defend their interest in the subsequent scramble for power and enthroned the present administration. The study investigates the period under review and it was a period of political reform in the state.

Nigeria has long struggled with governance challenges, particularly in the area of transparency and accountability within public administration. Over the years, corruption, opaque decision-making processes, and a lack of accountability mechanisms have resulted in the mismanagement of public resources, leading to economic stagnation and social discontent. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, Nigeria consistently ranks among the countries with high levels of corruption, which has impeded its progress toward achieving sustainable development.

The failure of public institutions to uphold transparency and accountability has led to a loss of trust in the government, inefficient service delivery, and a growing gap between government policies and the realities faced by citizens. The lack of accountability has also undermined Nigeria’s efforts to address critical issues such as poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, all of which are integral to achieving sustainable development.

Therefore, this study seeks to explore the role of transparency and accountability in public administration as key drivers for sustainable development in Nigeria. It aims to examine the challenges facing the public sector in ensuring transparency and accountability and to identify strategies that can promote good governance and drive sustainable growth.

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