The Challenges of Public Sector Audit as an Effective Accountability Tool in PPP Arrangements in Nigeria

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore some of the challenges constraining public sector audit from acting as an effective accountability tool in PPP arrangements in Nigeria and to proffer solutions. This is a conceptual paper and relies on extensive review of literature. We find, among others, that inadequate independence of the supreme audit institution (SAI), Poor accounting environment, lack of executive capacity, the unsatisfactory performance of the Public accounts committee (PAC) and poor use of technology pose serious challenges to public sector audit as an effective accountability tool in PPP arrangements in Nigeria. Some of our recommendations include the strengthening of the independence of the supreme audit institution, bestirring the PAC to be alive to its responsibilities and improving the accounting environment.

Keywords: Audit, PPP, Auditor-General, Accountability, Public sector, Effective Tool, Challenges

JEL Classification: M4, M40, M41, M49