Impact of Effective Internal Audit Functions on Public Sector Management and Accountability in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This survey examines the impact of internal audit functions on public sector
management and accountability in Edo State of Nigeria. Its main objective is to ascertain the extent to which effective internal audit functions could be used as an instrument to improve public sector management and accountability in Edo State. Data were collected via a well structured and tested questionnaire administered on 245 respondents in the audit departments of 12 government ministries and parastatals in Benin City, Edo State. The data collected were analyzed using Cross tabulations, descriptive statistics and Spearman rank order correlation coefficient. The findings of the study suggest that effective internal auditing ensures proper stewardship reporting, and inadequate qualified manpower does hinder proper auditing of government accounts in Edo State.
Based on these, it is concluded that auditing of government accounts is
fundamental to the effective and efficient stewardship reporting by accounting officials without political and administrative interference. Hence, it is recommended among others that objectivity, integrity and transparency should be observed by auditors and council officials and improvement of internal auditors’ remuneration and fringe benefits should be improved for enhanced performance.