Auditor’s Independence and Accountability in Nigeria Public Enterprises: A Case of the Nigerian Ports Authority

KASU Journal of Management Sciences,Vol. 1, No. 4, January 2008

20 Pages Posted: 28 Mar 2010

Date Written: December 1, 2007

Abstract

This study seeks to identify the determinants of auditors’ independence in public enterprises and determine the policy implications of lack of auditors’ independence in the public sector. The data for the research was primary and collected via questionnaire from the Nigerian Ports Authority Headquarters Lagos. The questionnaire responses were analyzed using the percentage method. The hypothesis was tested using the chi-square method. The study revealed that there is need for the audit of public enterprises in Nigeria; there is objectivity in the appointment of the external auditor for the audit of public enterprises in Nigeria; and that the independence of the auditor has a significant impact on the accountability disposition of Nigerian public enterprises. It was also found that provision of other services by the auditor as well as non-rotation of auditors are some of the strong factors, which may negatively impact on the auditor’s independence and objectivity. It was recommended that the remuneration of the auditor should be determined by office of the Auditor-General for the Federation rather than by the Head of the Public enterprise being audited. In addition, more powers (statutory backing) should be given to the external auditor in order to free him from influence or intimidation by the client while the auditor should avoid other non-audit services and being in the audit of the client for longer than three years.

Keywords: Auditors, Independence, Public Enterprises, Federation, Public Accounts Committee

JEL Classification: H72, H82, M40, M41

Suggested Citation

Oladele, Kolawole Olugbenga, Auditor’s Independence and Accountability in Nigeria Public Enterprises: A Case of the Nigerian Ports Authority (December 1, 2007). KASU Journal of Management Sciences,Vol. 1, No. 4, January 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1578182

Kolawole Olugbenga Oladele (Contact Author)

Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna ( email )

Kaduna, North West Zone 800001
Nigeria
+234-803-7033143 (Phone)

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
731
Abstract Views
4,000
Rank
76,353
PlumX Metrics