Public Sector

This study examined the effect of audit quality on the financial performance of public sector institutions in Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the relationships between audit independence, audit competence, compliance with auditing standards, and financial performance. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 384 respondents drawn from key public institutions, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), public universities, and government ministries and agencies. The data were analyzed using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to determine the direction and significance of the relationships among the variables. The findings revealed that audit independence had a positive but statistically insignificant effect on financial performance, while audit competence showed a negative and insignificant relationship. However, compliance with auditing standards exhibited a positive and statistically significant effect on financial performance, emphasizing the importance of adherence to professional guidelines in enhancing transparency and accountability. The study concluded that compliance with audit standards plays a vital role in improving the financial performance of public sector institutions. It recommended that government agencies strengthen auditor independence, enhance professional competence through continuous training, and enforce strict compliance with auditing standards to promote credible financial reporting and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector