Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study.. 5
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 6
1.3 Objectives of the Study.. 7
1.4 Research Questions. 8
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 8
1.6 Significance of the Study.. 8
1.7 Scope of the Study.. 9
1.8 Limitations of the Study.. 9
1.9 Organization of the Study.. 10
CHAPTER TWO.. 12
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 12
2.1 Introduction.. 12
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 12
2.2.1 Advocacy and Awareness Theory. 12
2.2.2 Social Capital Theory. 13
2.2.3 Network Governance Theory. 13
2.2.4 Democratic Governance Theory. 14
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 14
2.4 Empirical Review.. 18
2.5 2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 20
Chapter Three.. 21
Research Methodology.. 21
3.1 Research Design.. 21
3.2 Population and Sampling.. 21
3.3 Data Collection Methods. 22
3.4 Data Analysis. 23
3.5 Ethical Considerations. 23
3.6 Limitations. 24
CHAPTER FOUR.. 24
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 24
4.1 Preamble.. 24
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 25
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 30
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 30
CHAPTER FIVE.. 46
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.. 46
5.1 Summary of Findings. 46
5.2 Conclusion.. 46
5.3 Recommendations. 47
REFERENCES.. 49
Questionnaire.. 51
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In Nigeria, the role of civil society in promoting transparency and accountability within public administration is pivotal amidst ongoing challenges of corruption and inefficiency. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in monitoring government activities, advocating for policy reforms, and engaging citizens in governance processes. By fostering transparency, CSOs help ensure that public institutions operate with openness and integrity, thereby enhancing public trust and confidence in government actions. This is particularly significant in Nigeria's context, where historical and systemic issues of corruption have often undermined development efforts (Smith, 2020).
Moreover, civil society acts as a watchdog by scrutinizing public spending and procurement processes, thereby mitigating the risks of mismanagement and embezzlement. Through initiatives such as budget tracking and social audits, CSOs provide independent assessments that hold government officials accountable for their actions and decisions. This oversight function not only helps prevent misuse of public funds but also encourages more responsible governance practices (Okolo, 2019).
Furthermore, the advocacy efforts of civil society are instrumental in shaping legislative frameworks that promote transparency and accountability. By lobbying for the enactment and enforcement of anti-corruption laws and freedom of information legislation, CSOs create legal foundations that support a culture of transparency within public administration (Abubakar, 2021). These efforts are essential for combating systemic corruption and promoting ethical standards in governmental operations.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The role of civil society in promoting transparency and accountability in public administration in Nigeria faces multifaceted challenges that hinder effective governance and development outcomes. One significant issue is the pervasive culture of corruption and opacity within governmental institutions, which undermines efforts towards transparency. Despite legislative measures and international commitments aimed at fostering accountability, implementation gaps and weak enforcement mechanisms persist, hampering the effectiveness of transparency initiatives (Akande, 2023). This lack of accountability not only erodes public trust but also perpetuates a cycle of inefficiency and mismanagement in public service delivery, thereby impeding socio-economic progress.
Another critical problem is the constrained capacity and resource limitations faced by many civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in Nigeria. While CSOs play a crucial role in advocating for transparency and monitoring government actions, their effectiveness is often hindered by financial constraints, limited access to data, and political pressures (Adepoju, 2022). These challenges restrict CSOs' ability to conduct comprehensive oversight and engage meaningfully in policy dialogue, thereby diminishing their impact on promoting accountability within public administration.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the role of civil society in promoting transparency and accountability in public administration in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To analyze the strategies employed by civil society organizations CSOs to promote transparency in Nigerian public administration.
- To evaluate the impact of CSO advocacy on holding public officials accountable in Nigeria.
- To investigate the challenges faced by CSOs in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigerian public administration.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- How do CSOs utilize the Freedom of Information Act FOIA to access government data and reports in Nigeria?
- To what extent do CSO-led public awareness campaigns influence citizen engagement in demanding accountability from government officials?
- How do limitations on freedom of speech and assembly hinder the work of CSOs in Nigeria?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no significant relationship between the role of civil society and the promotion of transparency and accountability in public administration in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Public Administration sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Nigeria Labour Congres, Akwa Ibom. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
REFERENCES
Abubakar, A. (2021). Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Public Administration: The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria. Journal of Governance and Regulation, 10(3), 65-78. doi:10.22495/jgr_v10_i3_p5
Ezeani, E. O. (2022). Civil Society and Public Accountability in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 16(1), 12-28. doi:10.5897/AJPSIR2021.1243
Okolo, V. O. (2019). Enhancing Public Administration Accountability through Civil Society Participation in Nigeria. Public Organization Review, 19(3), 375-392. doi:10.1007/s11115-019-00426-0
Smith, J. K. (2020). Civil Society and Governance in Nigeria: Promoting Transparency and Accountability. African Development Review, 32(4), 552-567. doi:10.1111/1467-8268.12512
