PROFESSIONAL CODES OF CONDUCT AND REDUCTION OF FINANCIAL MISAPPROPRIATION IN NIGERIA’S PUBLIC SECTOR

Abstract

This study examined the role of professional codes of conduct in reducing financial misappropriation in Nigeria’s public sector, with particular emphasis on ethical leadership and institutional mechanisms. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Education using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis using and analysis of variance were employed to analyze the data. A total of 303 questionnaires were administered to staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, out of which 285 were successfully retrieved and used for the analysis. The findings revealed that ethical leadership and institutional mechanisms indicate the statistical significance [positively] influence on ethical behavior and accountability, though their effect on reducing financial misappropriation was not statistically significant when considered in isolation. The study concludes that professional codes of conduct are necessary but insufficient on their own to curb financial misappropriation. The study recommends strengthening ethical leadership, improving enforcement of codes of conduct, and enhancing institutional accountability mechanisms to promote transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s public sector.