Author(s) :

AGUIYI, Ebelechukwu Obiageli-Jacinta, AGUIYI, Chukwuebuka C.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Corruption remains a major challenge to effective public service delivery and sustainable development in Nigeria, particularly where weak accountability mechanisms create opportunities for the misuse of public resources and administrative authority. This study examined corruption and public service delivery in Nigeria, with particular focus on the effect of accountability deficits on governance and development outcomes in the Anambra State Civil Service Commission, Awka. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and obtained primary data through a structured questionnaire administered to respondents in the Anambra State Civil Service Commission. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. The descriptive results, based on 367 respondents, showed generally positive perceptions of the existence of accountability-related challenges and their implications for governance and development outcomes, although responses varied across the six questionnaire items. The regression analysis revealed a weak positive relationship between poor accountability and governance and development outcomes. The study concludes that accountability deficits constitute a significant institutional factor in governance and development outcomes, although other institutional, administrative, financial, political, and organizational factors also contribute to these outcomes. The study recommends strengthening internal accountability, enhancing transparency in public-resource management, improving the capacity and independence of internal audit and monitoring units, and enforcing appropriate sanctions for accountability violations. These measures are expected to reduce opportunities for corruption, improve institutional effectiveness, and enhance public service delivery in Anambra State. Keywords: Corruption, accountability deficits, governance, development outcomes, public service delivery.

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