Budget Implementation and Accountability of Public Sector Entities in Nigeria

Abstract

The research investigates key components of budget implementation, including budget release and allocation,
budget reporting and accounting, stakeholder engagement, cash planning, and procurement management. Using a
cross-sectional survey, data was collected from 311 senior public sector officials. The overall accountability model
findings reveal that Budget Release and Allocation): Budget Release and Allocation has a positive but statistically
insignificant effect on overall accountability. Budget Reporting and Accounting: Budget Reporting and Accounting
shows a negative influence on overall accountability, which is marginally significant at the 10% level. Stakeholder
Engagement and Communication: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication exerts a negative but insignificant
effect on overall accountability. Cash Planning and Management: Cash Planning and Management has a positive but
insignificant relationship with overall accountability. Procurement Planning and Management: Procurement
Planning and Management also shows a positive but statistically insignificant effect on overall accountability. This
study concludes the importance of strengthening budgetary frameworks and institutional structures to improve fiscal
discipline, transparency, and public sector accountability in Nigeria. The study recommends that to improve
financial accountability, the Ministry of Finance should prioritize timely and adequate fund disbursement, ensuring
that funds are allocated and released as planned to reduce opportunities for misuse and delay.