Governance Reforms and Public Trust in Imo State Government Institutions, South East Nigeria

This study explores the relationship between governance reforms and levels of public trust in state government institutions in Imo State, South East Nigeria. Declining public confidence in government institutions is a growing concern across Nigerian states, with Imo State attracting particular attention due to its turbulent political history and disputed electoral outcomes in recent years. Grounded in institutional trust theory and current governance literature from 2020 to 2024, the study adopts a descriptive survey design. A sample of 230 adult residents, civil servants, and local civil society leaders is drawn from three senatorial zones in Imo State using stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions are the primary data collection instruments. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression. The study expects to find that reform rhetoric not matched by tangible service improvement, elite capture of governance processes, and weak anti-corruption enforcement have deepened public scepticism about state institutions. The study also examines how youth-led civic movements, online accountability campaigns, and community town halls have reshaped citizen-state relations in Imo State. Findings will provide evidence-based recommendations for building institutional trust through transparent governance, citizen engagement, and measurable reform milestones. Keywords: governance reform, public trust, institutional confidence, Imo State, South East Nigeria