Combating Corruption in Nigeria: A Roadmap for National Progress and Development -By Onovughe Aghogho

In accordance with the famous words of President Joe Biden of the United States of America, “Corruption is a cancer, a cancer that eats away a citizen’s faith in democracy, [and] diminishes the instincts for innovation and creativity.” Corruption has long been a deep-rooted and pervasive problem in Nigeria, significantly hindering the nation’s development and undermining its socio-economic fabric. This article aims to delve into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to the issue of corruption in Nigeria. But before then, some issues relevant to the subject will be discussed.

First of all, what is corruption? Corruption, according to the Oxford Dictionary, as I have modified and added, is a pathetic state of lacking integrity or honesty, especially susceptibility to bribery; or the illegal use of a powerful position of trust for dishonest gain or to one’s selfish interest. Corruption has plagued Nigeria for decades, perpetuated by a combination of weak governance, lack of transparency, and a culture of impunity. Historically, Nigeria has struggled with mismanagement of public funds, embezzlement, bribery, and nepotism; thereby creating a political system that rewards dishonesty and fosters a barbaric culture of “sacred” corruption.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of corruption in Nigeria. Weak institutions, inadequate legal frameworks, and lack of strong political will to address the issue have allowed corruption to thrive. Furthermore, poverty, high unemployment rates, and income inequality have made corruption an attractive means of acquiring wealth and power for many individuals. No wonder it is said that power corrupts.

The consequences of corruption are wide-ranging and profoundly detrimental to Nigeria. Corruption undermines public trust in the government, erodes faith in the rule of law, and weakens the social fabric of the country. It diverts resources meant for development, leading to poor service delivery, limited infrastructure, and a decline in quality education and healthcare. Furthermore, corruption stunts economic growth and deters foreign investment, hindering Nigeria’s potential for prosperity.

In recent years, Nigeria has taken steps to combat corruption through various initiatives and government agencies. The establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) signifies Nigeria’s commitment to tackling corruption. Additionally, the introduction of the Whistleblower Policy has encouraged individuals to report corruption and recover stolen funds.

However, despite these efforts, the battle against corruption faces numerous challenges. Judicial inefficiency, political interference, and lack of independence of anti-corruption agencies impede progress of the struggle against corruption. The slow pace of prosecution and low conviction rates contribute to a sense of impunity, discouraging individuals from refraining from corrupt practices. To this end, Nigeria has politically become so bastardized with corruption to the very stupefying extent that many highly corrupt countries in the world see it as “baba” of corruption. Wow! How appalling can this be? Perhaps, Nigeria went to the university to study corruption and graduated with first class! Oh, is there any little wonder why people from other countries come to learn corruption in Nigeria?

Well, the above is just to vividly illustrate how so deep corruption has fed on Nigeria’s sweet blood. Thus, to effectively address corruption in Nigeria, some comprehensive and multi-pronged approaches are necessary. The following strategies are multifaceted ways to stem the tide of corruption in Nigeria, which can serve as a roadmap for national progress and development.

First, empowering democratic institutions and anti-corruption agencies is a principal way of tackling corruption in Nigeria. Enhancing the capacity, independence, and effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies, such as the ICPC and the EFCC, as well as the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man, is crucial in embarking on the task of curbing corruption in Nigeria. This includes providing adequate resources, training, and protection for whistleblowers and investigators.

Secondly, proposing and adopting certain, strong legislative reforms can go a long way in seeing to the fact that corruption is very well dealt with in Nigeria. The adequate enactment and enforcement of robust anti-corruption laws, rules and regulations that encompass preventive measures, asset recovery mechanisms, and clear consequences for offenders is essential to the issue of curbing corruption in a very corrupt country like our “dear” Nigeria.

On a third note, ensuring adequate transparency and accountability of the activities of government and public officials is a key factor in checking the excesses of corruption in Nigeria today. Promoting transparency in public procurement processes, budgeting, and revenue collection, as well as establishing mechanisms for public oversight and accountability, can help reduce opportunities for corruption in state.

Fourthly, creating public awareness through enlightenment programmes and public education activities in appropriate centres, cannot be underestimated in the course of endeavouring to curb corruption in the Nigerian society. Educating the public on the negative effects of corruption and imparting such ethical values as honesty, probity, and integrity from an early age can help to foster a cultural shift and create societal pressure against the extant existence of corrupt practices in a bid to bring them to the verge of extinction – a point where it will be deactivated.

More so, one of the critical ways to curb corruption in Nigeria is international cooperation. If Nigeria should work with international partners and organizations – or other countries that are less corrupt – she can enhance a stronger weight on the fight against corruption; she can join her intelligence with other countries’ to recover stolen assets, and share best practices in combating corruption; which is a very crucial way to attacking its existence in the country.

Another way of combating corruption in Nigeria is through technological innovation on democratic government. Exploitation of advancements in technology, such as e-governance, digital platforms, and online portals for public service delivery, can minimize governmental privacy on issues of public affairs and indoor human contact; and thereby reduce opportunities for corruption through vivid clearness of the activities of government and public officials to the masses.

Moreover, Lord Acton (1834 – 1902) once said in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887 that: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Hence, good political will and honest leadership are highly indispensable in the fight against corruption, as people in power tend to be corrupt as soon as they come into office. Political leaders should lead by example by living exemplary lifestyles of a good citizen for the people to follow. They should adhere to the principles of the rule of law, maintain adequate accountability and transparency to the populace who they represent, and prioritize civil efforts channelled towards the pulling-down of corruption in Nigeria.

Finally, tackling corruption in Nigeria is a daunting task, but it is vital for the nation’s progress and prosperity. The fight against corruption requires a combination of legal reforms, institutional strengthening, public awareness, and political will, among others. Through sustained and concerted efforts, Nigeria can build a society grounded in transparency, accountability, and good governance. By eradicating corruption, Nigeria can unlock its true potential, attract investment, improve public services, and foster a brighter future for all its citizens. It should not be forgotten that corruption is a great devouring beast that has eaten so deep into the life and soul of the country. I therefore advise that all possible ways to stem the tide of corruption in Nigeria should be applied with immediate effect.

Onovughe Aghogho,

A student of Delta State University, Abraka, Oleh Campus.