Effect of Financial Reforms on Local Government Accountability in Edo State, Nigeria
This study investigates the impact of financial reforms on local government accountability in Edo State, Nigeria, with a specific focus on three key reform instruments: Treasury Single Account (TSA), Direct Financial Control, and E-Procurement. The motivation for the study stems from growing concerns over the effectiveness of fiscal governance at the local government level, where weak financial controls and lack of transparency have historically impeded service delivery and development outcomes. The objective of the research was to evaluate the extent to which these financial reforms contribute to enhancing accountability mechanisms within local government administration. The study adopted a quantitative research design, relying on primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to staff across selected local government areas in Edo State. A sample size of 220 respondents was drawn from finance departments, procurement units, internal audit sections, and budget offices. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis via SPSS version 25, and model fitness was assessed using R-squared, ANOVA, and t tests for individual variable significance. Findings from the regression model reveal that all three independent variables Treasury Single Account, Direct Financial Control, and E Procurement have a positive and statistically significant impact on the dependent variable, local government accountability. The adjusted R square value of 0.651 indicates that approximately 65.1% of the variation in local government accountability is explained by the financial reform mechanisms examined in the study. These results suggest that the adoption of financial reforms enhances transparency, minimizes misappropriation of funds, and strengthens public sector accountability at the…
Keywords: : Financial Reforms, Treasury Single Account, Direct Financial Control, E-Procurement, Local Government, Accountability
Citation: (phd, E.R.I., Fca), , Ebarehmen, A.V., & Okeyoren, A.F. (2025). Effect of Financial Reforms on Local Government Accountability in Edo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research in Accounting and Sustainability, 10(3), 54-65.