Can digital transformation improve transparency and accountability of public governance in Nigeria?

Abstract

Purpose Corruption within the Nigerian Government – at all levels – is endemic and a major problem. While there is ample evidence to buttress this fact, its effects are having a negative impact on the ability of the government to meet its agreed UN sustainable development targets, as well as the credibility of the government (nationally and internationally), and its ability to deliver on quality governance. Hence, this study aims to identify the power of digital transformation in curbing corruption and improving governance for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method that encompasses the use of a systematic literature review and a bibliometric analysis was used to examine extant literatures – to derive lessons for the Nigerian Government and governments in other developing countries (most especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa). Findings The results obtained within this study show that digital transformation – brought by the fourth industrial revolution – is a verified solution to improving transparency and accountability in governance. However, the current technological infrastructure in Nigeria is too weak to support this innovation. Key infrastructures like high-speed internet, a harmonized data storage system, and communications among government organizations rarely exist. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the approach used in this research is unique as it is one of the earliest studies to provide a viable solution to the issue of corruption in public governance in Nigeria, while examining the effects of the digital transformation of governance globally.