EFFECT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN COMBATING CORRUPTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE NIGERIA PUBLIC SECTOR (2016-2023)

Abstract

This study was motivated by the persistent challenges of corruption and weak accountability in Nigeria’s public sector, which have hindered governance and development. The study examined the effect of transformational leadership in combating corruption and enhancing accountability in the Nigerian public sector (2016–2023). It utilized a descriptive survey and documentary research design. The target population comprised public sector employees across key federal ministries, agencies, and parastatals. A sample size of 400 was taken from a total population of 5,407 respondents using the Taro Yamane sample size determination technique. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select participants, ensuring representativeness. Primary and secondary data collection methods were used. Primary data was gathered through a structured questionnaire designed to capture insights on leadership practices, corruption perception, and accountability mechanisms. Secondary data were sourced from official government reports, audit documents, and anti-corruption publications. Descriptive statistics, including frequency tables and simple percentages, were used to present quantitative data, while inferential statistics, specifically regression analysis, tested the study’s hypotheses. The findings of Hypothesis One revealed that fiscal transparency had a significant positive effect on combating corruption and accountability (β = 0.312, p = 0.000), indicating that improved transparency strengthens oversight and reduces corrupt practices. Hypothesis Two showed that audit compliance significantly contributed to accountability (β = 0.298, p = 0.000), demonstrating that strict adherence to audit regulations enhances financial discipline. Hypothesis Three confirmed that whistleblowing policies had a significant positive impact (β = 0.274, p = 0.000), suggesting that effective reporting mechanisms empower stakeholders to expose corruption. The study concluded that transformational leadership, through fiscal transparency, audit compliance, and whistleblowing policies, plays a crucial role in reducing corruption and strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. It recommended stricter enforcement of transparency measures, regular independent audits, and strengthened whistleblower protections to sustain anti-corruption efforts. The major recommendation is that Government & Policymakers should strengthen fiscal transparency laws and ensure real-time disclosure of public expenditures to enhance accountability. Government agencies should adopt open budgeting and real-time expenditure tracking to improve accountability.