Enhancing Local Government Accountability Through Digital Governance: A Case Study of Akwa IBOM State

Abstract

The local governments in Nigeria are the nearest to the people, but they lack proper accountability mechanisms due to poor institutional capacities and insufficient transparency. This paper explored the role of digital governance in improving the accountability of the local government in Akwa Ibom State. In particular, it evaluated how ICT preparedness, transparency system, and citizen response affected accountability outcomes. A structured questionnaire was administered to 318 respondents drawn from 15 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The correlation analysis showed that there are significant positive correlations among ICT readiness and transparency (r = 0.541, p < 0.01), citizen feedback (r = 0.562, p < 0.01), and accountability (r = 0.613, p < 0.01). The regression model further indicated that ICT readiness (β = 0.324, p < 0.001), transparency mechanisms (β = 0.278, p < 0.001), and citizen feedback (β = 0.236, p < 0.01) significantly predicted accountability outcomes, jointly explaining 52% of the variance (R² = 0.520).These results affirm that accountable governance is a strong determinant at the grassroots level based on digital readiness, fiscal transparency, and participatory feedback systems. The paper concludes that enhancing ICT infrastructure, institutionalization of digital auditing instruments, and encouraging citizen-initiated feedback mechanisms can contribute significantly to accountability in local governments. The results are added to the existing body of knowledge on e-governance at the subnational level and contribute to the global demands of digitalization in the state administration.