Assessing Nigerians' Perceptions of Transparency and Accountability in Poverty Alleviation Programs: A Survey Of N- SIPA Initiatives

Fidelia Amara Duru PhD; John Okey Onoh PhD

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no4.2026.pg458.484

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Assessing Nigerians' Perceptions of Transparency and Accountability in Poverty Alleviation Programs: A Survey Of N- SIPA Initiatives

Fidelia Amara Duru PhD, John Okey Onoh PhD

Abstract

This study assessed Nigerians' perceptions of transparency and accountability in poverty alleviation programs, specifically the National Social Investment Programme Agency (N-SIPA) initiatives. The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, using a structured questionnaire to capture respondents' perceptions on various aspects of N-SIPA initiatives, including transparency, accountability, corruption, and effectiveness. A total of 200 questionnaires were distributed, and 155 were duly filled and returned, representing a response rate of 77.5%. The results indicate a pessimistic outlook by respondents towards the N-SIPA program, with a majority disagreeing or strongly disagreeing with the statements on transparency, accountability, and fairness. The study also found that transparency and accountability are significant predictors of effectiveness, suggesting that improving transparency and accountability can lead to more effective poverty alleviation programs. The correlation analysis indicates a positive correlation between transparency and accountability (r = 0.65, p < 0.01), which is consistent with the principal-agent theory (Eisenhardt, 1989) and the theory of good governance (Sen, 1999). The regression analysis indicates that transparency and accountability are significant predictors of effectiveness (β = 0.35, p < 0.01; β = 0.28, p < 0.05), which is consistent with the institutional theory (North, 1990) and the theory of good governance (Sen, 1999). The study recommends that the Nigerian government should improve transparency and accountability in N- SIPA initiatives by providing regular updates on the program's activities and outcomes, citing the theory of good governance (Sen, 1999). The government should strengthen the institutional framework for poverty alleviation programs to ensure that they are effective and efficient, citing the institutional theory (North, 1990). The study contributes to the existing literature on transparency and accountability in poverty alleviation programs in Nigeria, and provides insights for policy makers on how to improve the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs. The study also identifies areas for further research, including investigating the impact of transparency and accountability on the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs in Nigeria, and examining the role of institutional frameworks in promoting transparency and accountability in poverty alleviation programs. The study has implications for theory, policy, and practice. The findings of this study have implications for the theory of transparency and accountability in poverty alleviation programs, suggesting that transparency and accountability are essential for effective poverty alleviation programs. The study also has implications for policy makers in Nigeria, suggesting that they should prioritize transparency and accountability in poverty alleviation programs, and strengthen the institutional framework for these programs to ensure that they are effective and efficient. In conclusion, this study assessed Nigerians' perceptions of transparency and accountability in N-SIPA initiatives, and found that transparency and accountability are significant predictors of effectiveness. The study recommends that the Nigerian government should improve transparency and accountability in N-SIPA initiatives, and strengthen the institutional framework for poverty alleviation programs.

Keywords

TransparencyAccountabilityPoverty AlleviationN-SIPANigeria

References

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Have you or someone you know benefited from N-SIPA initiatives (e.g., N-Power, TraderMoni, School Feeding Programme)? a) Yes, I have benefited b) Yes, someone I know has benefited c) No, neither I nor anyone I know has benefited d) Not sure Section B: Transparency and Accountability Please rate the following statements on a scale of 1-5, where: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree 1. N-SIPA initiatives are transparent in their operations. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 2. The selection process for N-SIPA beneficiaries is fair and unbiased. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 3. N-SIPA programs are accountable to the public. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 4. The government provides regular updates on N-SIPA initiatives. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 5. N-SIPA's goals and objectives are clear and well-defined. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 6. N-SIPA's financial transactions are transparent. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 7. The public has access to information about N-SIPA initiatives. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 8. N-SIPA's decision-making process is transparent. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree Section C: Corruption and Effectiveness 1. Corruption is a major obstacle to the success of N-SIPA initiatives. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 2. N-SIPA programs effectively address poverty in Nigeria. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 3. The benefits of N-SIPA initiatives reach the intended recipients. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 4. N-SIPA programs have improved the lives of beneficiaries. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 5. The government is committed to reducing poverty in Nigeria. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 6. N-SIPA initiatives are free from corruption. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 7. N-SIPA programs are effective in achieving their goals. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree Section D: Awareness and Participation 1. I am aware of N-SIPA initiatives in my community. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 2. I have participated in N-SIPA programs or know someone who has. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 3. N-SIPA initiatives are well-publicized in my community. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 4. I understand the eligibility criteria for N-SIPA programs. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 5. I would recommend N-SIPA programs to others. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree Section E: Overall Perception 1. N-SIPA initiatives are effective in reducing poverty in Nigeria. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 2. The government is doing enough to address poverty in Nigeria. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 3. N-SIPA programs have improved my life or someone I know. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 4. I trust N-SIPA initiatives. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree 5. N-SIPA initiatives are a good use of government resources. 1. Strongly Disagree 2. Disagree 3. Neutral 4. Agree 5. Strongly Agree

Assessing Nigerians' Perceptions of Transparency and Accountability in Poverty Alleviation Programs: A Survey Of N- SIPA Initiatives

Abstract

Keywords

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