INSTITUTIONAL TRUST, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND CORRUPTION REPORTING IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA: CITIZENS’ AND STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Effective anti-corruption reporting depends on citizens’ trust in institutions and willingness to disclose wrongdoing. Anchored in Institutional Theory, this study examined accountability and reporting mechanisms from the perspective of citizens and stakeholders in Katsina State, Nigeria. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed. Of 385 questionnaires administered to public sector workers, 381 were returned (99.0% response rate); in-depth interviews were also conducted with 19 key informants. Findings revealed a low willingness to report corruption: 51.4% were very unlikely and 31.7% unlikely to report, a combined 83.1%. Major barriers included fear of job loss (36.6%), distrust in institutions (27.5%), social pressure (20.0%), and past retaliation (15.0%). Although formal reporting structures were acknowledged, confidence in their effectiveness was weak; qualitative data highlighted institutional bias, selective enforcement, and inadequate whistleblower protection. The study concludes that low institutional trust and fear of victimization sustain a cycle of silence and impunity. It recommends strengthening whistleblower protection laws, improving institutional transparency and impartiality, and public enlightenment to encourage reporting.