Corporate Transparency and Public Trust in State Government Parastatals in Anambra State

This study examines the relationship between corporate transparency and public trust in state government parastatals in Anambra State, Nigeria. Parastatals occupy a critical role in service delivery, yet persistent opacity in their financial reporting and management decisions has eroded public confidence in many South East states. Transparency, encompassing timely disclosure of financial statements, procurement records, and governance decisions, is fundamental to accountability in public enterprises. Drawing on public sector governance theory, this study evaluates how transparency practices in selected Anambra parastatals relate to citizens' trust perceptions. A survey design is adopted, with 200 respondents drawn from civil society organisations, taxpayers, and service beneficiaries. Questionnaires are supplemented by document analysis of parastatal annual reports and Bureau of Public Enterprises filings. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis. The study anticipates a positive and statistically significant association between transparency index scores and public trust levels. Findings will assist the Anambra State government, parastatal boards, and the Financial Reporting Council in formulating transparency enhancement policies. This research enriches the South East public sector governance literature and contributes to ongoing discussions on open government initiatives in Nigeria. Keywords: corporate transparency, public trust, government parastatals, corporate governance, Anambra State.