RETHINKING FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR BETTER
GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

OTALOR, John Ikponwosa
Departmental of Accounting
University of Calabar, Calabar
Cross-River State, Nigeria
john.otalor@gmail.com
KANKPANG, Alphonsus Kechi
Departmental of Accounting
University of Calabar, Calabar
Cross-River State, Nigeria
AYANBESHISHIE, Salome Agiounim
Departmental of Accounting
University of Calabar, Calabar
Cross-River State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Fiscal responsibility as a term that describes openness and accountability is a precursor of fiscal
discipline. Fiscal responsibility may remain a mirage in Nigeria unless the country takes urgent steps
to address the monstrous fiscal indiscipline that has become pervasive. While civil society organizations
and the media have made their marks in the fight for the enthronement of fiscal discipline in Nigeria,
the role of relevant government agencies like the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) and the citizens
exercising oversight function on public finances leaves much to be desired. The study believes that the
government should strengthen the nexus between accountability and personal orientation through fiscal
transparency and accountability education. Given the magnitude of moral delinquency in fiscal
discipline, this study contends that education holds the key to stemming the tide. The study recommends
the inclusion of transparency and accountability education in the curricula of the education systems in
Nigeria and a reorientation of all citizens beginning with the political class.
Keywords: Fiscal, responsibility, accountability, transparency, ethics, governance