Public Sector Accounting and Accountability in Enugu State: An Assessment of IPSAS Adoption and Financial Transparency

The adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) has been promoted globally as a means of enhancing financial transparency and accountability in government institutions, yet implementation progress in Nigerian states has remained inconsistent. This study assessed the level of IPSAS adoption and its effect on financial transparency in Enugu State public sector institutions, focusing on three selected ministries. The study was anchored on the new public management theory, which advocates for private-sector accountability practices in public administration. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining survey and documentary analysis. The population comprised 240 public accountants, budget officers, and auditors within the selected ministries, and a sample of 150 was drawn using simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire and documentary review checklist served as data collection instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Findings revealed that while formal IPSAS adoption had been initiated, full implementation remained hampered by inadequate training, poor infrastructure, and resistance to change. The study concluded that partial IPSAS adoption had only marginally improved financial transparency indicators in the selected ministries. It was recommended that the Enugu State Accountant-General's Office should develop a phased IPSAS implementation roadmap supported by adequate capacity-building programs for public finance professionals.

Keywords: IPSAS adoption, public sector accounting, financial transparency, accountability, new public management