Public Sector Ethics and Anti-Corruption Strategies in Anambra State Government

This study examines the effectiveness of public sector ethics frameworks and anti-corruption strategies in Anambra State Government, located in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone. Anambra State has been credited with significant progress in governance transparency relative to many other Nigerian states, making it a useful subject for studying what works in sub-national anti-corruption efforts. A professional survey design is employed, with data collected from 180 civil servants, civil society representatives, and independent anti-corruption specialists across three senatorial districts. Regression analysis and qualitative thematic analysis are used to assess the determinants of anti-corruption strategy effectiveness. The Institutional Theory of Corruption provides the theoretical framework, examining how formal institutional structures and informal norms shape corrupt behaviour. Findings indicate that the introduction of an online procurement portal, mandatory assets declaration for senior officials, and active engagement of civil society in budget monitoring have yielded measurable reductions in reported procurement fraud. However, patronage networks in appointment processes and weak enforcement by the State Anti-Corruption Bureau remain significant challenges. Recommendations include independent oversight of the anti-corruption bureau, expanded civil society access to government financial records, and mandatory participation in public ethics certification programmes for senior officials. These findings have transferable relevance to governance improvement efforts in other South East states. Keywords: public sector ethics, anti-corruption, Anambra State, governance, procurement transparency.