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Artificial Intelligence and Public Sector Accounting: An Empirical Perspective from Nigeria in a Global Context

Chika Dennis Muomaife, PhD., Lady Ndidiamaka Phina Muomaife

Abstract

This study examined the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing public sector accounting performance in Nigeria within a global context. Specifically, the study explored the applications of AI in public financial management and assessed its potential contributions to financial reporting quality, audit efficiency, fraud detection, and budget implementation. The study adopted an exploratory research design and employed a systematic literature review approach to synthesize existing knowledge on AI adoption in public sector accounting. Data were collected from secondary sources, including academic journal articles, policy documents, government reports, and publications from international organizations. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emerging patterns, opportunities, challenges, and best practices associated with AI-driven public financial management systems. The findings revealed that AI contributes significantly to improved transparency, real-time auditing, fraud detection, predictive financial analysis, and overall accountability, although infrastructure deficiencies, skills gaps, and regulatory limitations constrain adoption in Nigeria. The study concludes that AI has substantial potential to transform public sector accounting and recommends increased investment in digital infrastructure, human capital development, and AI governance frameworks to support its effective implementation in Nigeria's public financial management system.

Keywords

Artificial IntelligencePublic Sector AccountingPublic Financial ManagementAccountabilityFinancial Reporting QualityNigeria.

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