THE CONTRIBUTION OF WHISTLEBLOWING TO CORRUPTION DETERRENCE IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA'S PUBLIC SECTOR

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.