ABSTRACT

This research was aimed at finding out the impact of public sector accounting in Nigeria financial control system using Esan south east local government area of Edo state as a case study. The purpose was to find out if the control of public fund adopted by the local government is appropriate, to determine whether the public sector accounting principle applied by the local government is appropriate and effective and also to investigate whether the source of revenue to the local government is enough for them etc. The population size used was the staff and members of Esan south east local government area of Edo state, out of which the

sample                   size   was   selected   using   the

Data for this study were primarily and secondarily sourced. Chi-square was used to analyze the responses gotten from the distributed questionnaires. The findings made in this study are; the public accounting principles applied by the said local government area is inappropriate and ineffective and the control of public fund measures adopted is also inappropriate etc, based on the findings, it was concluded that the public sector accounting principles applied by the local government is inappropriate and also the control of public fund measures adopted was inappropriate. Recommendations were also made based on the findings which are, an account committee should be set up to control the accounting system of the said local government and monitor their day to day activities etc and when this is met, the goal of creating the local government will be achieved.

7

TABLE OF CONTENT

PAGE

Title page--------------------------------------------------------------   ------- --   i

Approval page --------------------------------------------------------  ----------  ii

Dedication -------------------------------------------------------------  ---------- iii

Acknowledgement ---------------------------------------------------   -----------iv

Abstract ----------------------------------------------------------------  -----------vi

Table of content -------------------------------------------------------  ----------vii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background of the study-------------------------------------------------1

1.2    Statement of the problem -----------------------------------------------3

1.3    Objectives of the study--------------------------------------------------4

1.4    Research questions-------------------------------------------------------5

1.5    Formulation of research hypotheses -------------------------------------5

1.6    Significance of the study--------------------------------------------------6

1.7    Scope of the study---------------------------------------------------------7

1.8    Limitations of the study.--------------------------------------------------7

8

CHAPTER TWO:          REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1    The concept of public sector------------------------------------------- ----9

2.2    Overview of public sector accounting ----------------------------------12

2.3    Peculiarities of public sector accounting -------------------------------13

2.4    Appraisal of Nigeria financial control system--------------------------19

2.5    Objectives of Public Sector Accounting--------------------------------22

2.6            The role of public sector accounting in Nigeria financial control

system.----------------------------------------------------------------------24

2.7       The historical background of Esan South East LG--------------------26

2.7.1  Sources of revenue to Esan south east LG-----------------------------26

2.7.2  Functions of Esan South East LG---------------------------------------27

2.7.3   Controls of Esan South East LG ---------------------------------------30

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

3.1    Research design-----------------------------------------------------------33

3.2    Sources of data -----------------------------------------------------------33

3.2.1  Primary data---------------------------------------------------------------33

3.2.2  Secondary data -----------------------------------------------------------34

3.3    Population of the study---------------------------------------------------34

3.4    Sample size determination -----------------------------------------------34

3.5    Sampling technique ------------------------------------------------------35

3.6    Research instrument used-------------------------------------------------35

9

3.7.1  Reliability of research instrument --------------------------------------36

3.7.2 Validity of research instrument used------------------------------------36

3.8    Method of data treatment and analysis----------------------------------36

3.9    Area of the study---------------------------------------------------------37

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANAYSIS

4:1

Data presentation/Analysis

------------------------------------------------38

4.2

Test of hypotheses -------------------------------------------------------

47

CHAPTER  FIVE:  SUMMARY  OF  FINDINGS,  CONCLUSIONS

AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1    Summary of the findings -------------------------------------------------55

5.2    Conclusion -----------------------------------------------------------------56

5.3    Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------57

BIBLIOGRAPHY-----------------------------------------------------------------59

APPENDIX / QUESTIONNAIRE----------------------------------------------62

10

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1            BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Public sector is that sector of the economy established and operated by government and its agencies distinguishable from the private sector and are organized on behalf of the whole citizens while  Public sector accounting is the process  government agencies and municipalities use to record financial transactions.

Mathias, (2004:78). Said, similar to private sector accounting in  theory, the focus of public sector accounting is somewhat different. Most government agencies and municipalities need to track funds generated from tax revenues and expenditures related to projects or appropriations. In addition, nations may need to follow a set of standard of  accounting principles different from private sector accounting rules. The creation of an international  accounting standardhelps nations  to follow similar rules in other to present information in a similar manner.

 Government accounting typically uses a set of rules that tracks financial information. Rather than attempting to determine how much money a public sector entity has made, the entity must report financial information to interested parties, primarily constituents. The separation of money into these funds makes it difficult for government agency or municipality to spend money on unauthorized purposes. Elected officials or legislatures

11

must create appropriations or spending authorizations to transfer funds amongst government fund accounts. This process attempts to restrict the spending of money on a free-will basis that will quickly deplete an agency‟s resources

Similar to  private sector accounting, public sector accounting principles often seek to lay a framework for accounting practices.

Afolabi,( 2004:320). Said rather than creating a hard set of rules to follow, the principles allow for an application of basic principles to either large and small entities or municipalities. An international set of accounting principles is also necessary for smaller nations to learn and adopt rules that will enhance their internal national accounting process. Most times, developing nations cannot or do not have the resources capable to create and instil a framework for their public sector accounting practices. Adopting an international set of accounting rules will help them overcome this problem and typically helps them start on the path better infrastructure development.

Another purpose of public sector accounting is to create a standard expectation of ethics and accounta information. Standard  public accounting principles will also make it easier

for a nation to undergo an  audit. it is also harder for countries to hide inappropriate financial transactions when using public sector accounting principles. This research study will therefore appraise the impact of public

12

sector accounting in Nigerian financial control system focusing on Esan

South East local government.

1.2            STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The  problems  inherent  in  this  research  study  as  investigated  by  the

researcher are;

1.   INADEQUATE REVENUE: that is, the source of revenue available to Esan South East Local Government authority most often is not enough for them, as this invariably affects diverse activities that are carried out in the local government area.

2.     Poor administration of local government funds.

3.  Another problem is the fact that the control of public fund adopted by the local government is inappropriate. It is as a result of this that there are still setbacks in the local government as regards to infrastructural development.

4.   The adoption of inappropriate and ineffective public sector accounting principles and guidelines.

5.     Another problem is that the accounts of the local government are characterized by inadequacies such as, improper maintenance and book keeping of accounts and other necessary records, embezzlement of public funds especially by the top officials.

13

1.3            OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to appraise the impact of public sector accounting in Nigerian financial control system and also to aid local government improve on their revenue generation and collection to that point where all collectable revenue are actually collected and safely paid into the council treasury.

Other objectives include the following:

1.     To investigate whether the sources of revenue available to Esan South East Local Government authority is enough for them.

2.     To find out whether the revenue generated within the local government is put into good use.

3.     To ascertain whether the control of public fund adopted by the local government is appropriate.

4.     To determine if the accounts of the local government are characterized by inadequacies such as, improper maintenance and book keeping of accounts and other necessary records, embezzlement of public funds especially by the top officials.

5.     To examine if the public sector accounting principles applied by the local government is appropriate and effective and also to recommend strategies by which the local government can use in detailing out funds and prevent revenue leakages.

14

1.4            RESEARCH QUESTIONS