THE IMPACT OF TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ON PUBLIC SECTOR ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (IPSAS) IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA

This study investigated the impact of transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement on the effective implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) within selected Nigerian Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Benin City. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected from 150 accounting and finance professionals across four MDAs: the University of Benin, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). Primary data were obtained via structured questionnaires, and analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that transparency and accountability have statistically significant positive effects on IPSAS implementation. Specifically, timely financial disclosures and robust audit compliance practices were found to enhance IPSAS adoption. However, stakeholder engagement did not have a statistically significant influence, suggesting a gap between policy emphasis on participatory governance and its practical execution. The study contributes to existing literature by offering empirical insights from a subnational Nigerian context and underscores the need for enhanced institutional reforms. Key recommendations include strengthening transparency and audit mechanisms, promoting inclusive stakeholder frameworks, and improving IPSAS-focused capacity building. These steps are essential to ensuring sustainable financial accountability and effective public sector reforms in Nigeria