IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

IIARD International Journal of Economics and Business Management (IJEBM )

E-ISSN 2489-0065
P-ISSN 2695-186X
VOL. 10 NO. 5 2024
DOI: 10.56201/ijebm.v10.no5.2024.pg13.27

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How Do Whistleblowing Mechanisms Contribute to Deterring Corrupt Practices within the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of Southwest Nigeria?

AKINADEWO Israel Seriki, OMOTOSO Adedunke Adedolapo, ABE Temitayo Oluwatimilehin, AKINADEWO Jeremiah Oreoluwa.

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Abstract

Corruption remains a persistent challenge across nations, impeding socio-economic development and undermining public trust in governance institutions. In Nigeria, like many other countries, combating corruption has been a focal point for successive administrations. This study assessed the efficacy of whistleblowing systems in curbing corruption within the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Southwest states of Nigeria. This research employed a survey research design utilizing self-administered questionnaires designed with a structured format, employing a 5-point Likert scale system The study focused on internal control and compliance officers within the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of Southwest States, Nigeria, totaling 382 individuals. A census sampling approach was utilized, encompassing the entire population due to its manageable size. Data analysis encompassed both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings revealed that the components of whistleblowing systems, namely reporting channels, policies and procedures, and confidentiality and anonymity, had a statistically significant negative impact on the effectiveness of curbing corruption within the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the South-west states of Nigeria. This suggests that as reporting channels, policies and procedures, and confidentiality and anonymity within whistleblowing systems decrease, the effectiveness of curbing corruption diminishes. This underscores the crucial role of robust whistleblowing mechanisms in combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability within government agencies. This study, therefore, recommends that Government should enhance reporting channels to facilitate the prompt and secure reporting of corrupt practices.

keywords:

Confidentiality and anonymity; Corruption; Policies and procedures; Reporting channels; Whistleblowing systems

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