Financial Governance and Accountability in Nigerian Non-Governmental Organisations

Non-governmental organisations in Nigeria manage substantial donor funds and internally generated revenues, yet financial governance standards within the sector vary widely, raising questions about accountability to beneficiaries, donors, and the Nigerian public. This study examines financial governance practices and accountability mechanisms in selected non-governmental organisations registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and operating across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Primary data are gathered from 90 executive directors, finance managers, and programme officers in 30 non-governmental organisations through structured questionnaires and document review protocols. The study assesses budget management, financial reporting quality, internal control strength, external audit engagement, and donor reporting compliance. Data are analysed using descriptive statistics, content analysis of financial documents, and regression identifying governance quality predictors. The theoretical framework draws on stewardship theory, the accountability-legitimacy nexus in civil society literature, and international non-profit financial governance standards. The study situates its analysis against the backdrop of the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering's monitoring of non-governmental organisation financial flows and the tightening of international donor due diligence requirements post-FATF grey listing. Existing literature identifies weak financial governance as both a risk management failure and a legitimacy threat for non-governmental organisations seeking to attract and retain donor support. This study contributes current evidence on Nigerian non-governmental organisation financial governance with practical recommendations for boards, donors, and the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering. Keywords: financial governance, non-governmental organisations, accountability, donor funds, Nigeria