An Evaluation of Public Sector Auditing Practices in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation
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Background of the Study
Public sector auditing is a critical tool for promoting accountability, transparency, and efficiency in the management of government resources. It provides an independent assessment of the use of public funds, ensuring compliance with established laws and regulations (Okafor & Aluko, 2023). In Nigeria, the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) plays a central role in auditing federal government expenditures and ensuring financial integrity.
Despite its significance, public sector auditing in Nigeria has faced persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of autonomy, and political interference. These limitations have hindered the Auditor-General’s ability to effectively hold public officials accountable and ensure optimal utilization of public resources (Eze & Usman, 2024). Recent reforms, such as the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and efforts to strengthen audit processes, aim to enhance the effectiveness of public sector auditing.
This study evaluates the practices of the OAuGF to determine their effectiveness in promoting accountability and transparency in public financial management. By focusing on this institution, the study sheds light on broader challenges and opportunities for improving public sector auditing in Nigeria.
Statement of the Problem
Despite its mandate, the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation has struggled to enforce accountability due to systemic challenges, including inadequate technical capacity, delays in audit reporting, and insufficient legislative follow-up on audit findings (Adeleke & Ibrahim, 2025). These issues have limited the impact of public sector auditing in curbing corruption and ensuring the effective use of government resources.
The lack of timely and actionable audit reports has further eroded public confidence in the ability of the OAuGF to address financial irregularities. While existing literature highlights the importance of public sector auditing, there is limited research examining the specific practices and challenges of the OAuGF in Nigeria. This study seeks to fill this gap by evaluating its effectiveness in promoting accountability and transparency.
Objectives of the Study
- To assess the effectiveness of public sector auditing practices in the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
- To identify the challenges faced by the OAuGF in executing its mandate.
- To evaluate the impact of public sector auditing on accountability and transparency in Nigeria.
Research Questions
- How effective are the public sector auditing practices of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation?
- What challenges hinder the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation from executing its mandate?
- What is the impact of public sector auditing on accountability and transparency in Nigeria?
Research Hypotheses
- Public sector auditing practices of the OAuGF significantly promote accountability in Nigeria.
- Challenges faced by the OAuGF negatively affect its effectiveness in promoting transparency.
- Public sector auditing has a significant impact on financial accountability in Nigeria.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on the auditing practices of the OAuGF, covering the period from 2018 to 2024. It examines the institution’s effectiveness in ensuring financial accountability at the federal level. Limitations may include restricted access to sensitive audit reports and the potential reluctance of key respondents to provide detailed information.
Definition of Terms
- Public Sector Auditing: The independent evaluation of government accounts and financial transactions to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
- Accountability: The obligation of public officials to justify their actions and decisions to stakeholders.
- Transparency: The openness of government operations, enabling stakeholders to access information on how public resources are managed.
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