ISSN: 2811-2407
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/IJAH
Start Year: 2020
Email: ijah@integrityresjournals.org
https://doi.org/10.31248/IJAH2024.172 | Article Number: 7C3B9DDF4 | Vol.5 (3) - October 2024
Received Date: 15 September 2024 | Accepted Date: 14 October 2024 | Published Date: 30 October 2024
Author: Okechukwu Richard OJI
Keywords: Nigeria., development, challenges, national development, corruption
Corruption is often recognized as a global issue, yet its intensity varies significantly across different regions. A major challenge confronting many developing nations, including Nigeria, is the pervasive nature of corruption, which substantially hinders progress. In Nigeria, this issue has become so ingrained that it permeates the very structure of society. Previous governments, both civilian and military, have attempted to implement measures to combat this problem. Currently, various institutions have been established specifically to eliminate corruption. However, the issue persists, largely because those leading the fight against corruption are frequently implicated in it themselves. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effects of corruption on Nigeria's national development. Theoretically, the study adopted the Prebendal theory. The study, being qualitative in nature, exclusively relied on secondary data sources such as academic journals, newspaper articles, and government statistics from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Transparency International, historical records like government reports and official documents as well as internet sources. This study establishes that the most devastating challenge that has threatened economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria is corruption. This realism explains the fact that since 1999 after twenty-four years into civilian rule, massive corruption, absence of political openness, transparency, accountability, electoral rigging, god-fatherism etc holds sway in the polity, coupled with huge incidences of poverty, inequality, unemployment and poor social infrastructure. This study posits that corruption severely obstructs national development by negatively influencing essential sectors such as education, health, electricity, transportation, and infrastructure. It recognizes that the repercussions of corruption encompass various issues, including sluggish economic growth, inadequate infrastructure progress, inefficient utilization of human and natural resources, distorted policy frameworks, ineffective policy implementation, significant public fund misappropriation, and reduced Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The paper ultimately concludes that, despite its global prevalence, corruption is fundamentally detrimental to development in all respects. It advocates for a reassessment of existing legal structures and emphasizes the need for reform and strengthening of anti-corruption bodies like the police, judiciary, EFCC, ICPC, and SERVICOM to minimize administrative conflicts, enhance cost-effectiveness, ensure independence from executive control, and promote optimal operational efficiency.
Abada, I. M., & Onyia, F. O. (2020). Nepotism, cronyism and prebendalism: An exploration of the mores that reinforce corruption in Nigeria's political system. Global Journal of Political Science and Administration, 8(3), 1-13. | ||||
Achebe, C. (1960). No longer at ease. London: Heinemann Educational. | ||||
ActionAid Nigeria (2015). Corruption and poverty in Nigeria: A report published by ActionAid Nigeria. | ||||
Adebanwi, W. (2012). Authority stealing: Anti-corruption war and democratic politics in post-military Nigeria. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic Press. | ||||
Aiyede, R. E. (2006). The role of INEC, ICPC and EFCC in combating political corruption. In: money, politics and corruption in Nigeria, A Publication of IFES. Pp. 37-54. | ||||
Apter, A. (1987). 'Things fell apart? Yoruba responses to the 1983 elections in Ondo State, Nigeria'. Journal of Modern African Studies, 25(3), 489-503. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022278X00009940 |
||||
Audu, S. M. (2008). Emerging issues in the culture of corruption in Nigeria: Implications for national development. In: Hassan A. S. (eds.). Perspective in nation-building and development: Political and legal issues (pp. 211-218). Lagos: Concept Publications Ltd. | ||||
Bakare, A. S. (2011). The crowding-out effects of corruption in Nigeria: An empirical study. Journal of Business Management and Economic, 2(2), 59-68. | ||||
Bangura, Y. (1986). The Nigerian economic crisis. In: Lawrence, P. (ed.): World recession and the food crisis in Africa. London: James Curry. Pp. 40-58. | ||||
Code of Conduct Bureau Act, 2004. The Federal Republic of Nigeria. | ||||
Committee for Defence of Human Rights, 1992. The Federal Republic of Nigeria. p. 35. | ||||
Dictionary of Social Sciences (1964). Dictionary of social sciences, Oxford: Oxford University Press. | ||||
Dudley, S. (1969). The meaning of development. International Development Review, 11, 3-4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7679.1969.tb00222.x |
||||
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act (2002). Abuja: Federal Government Printer. The Federal Republic of Nigeria. | ||||
Eniayejuni, A., & Evcan, N. S. (2015). Nigeria: Corruption arising from bad leadership. European Scientific Journal, 11(13), 62-70. | ||||
Gboyega, A. (1996). Corruption and democratization in Nigeria, 1983-1993: An overview. In: Gboyega, A. (ed.): Corruption and democratization in Nigeria. Ibadan: Agbo Areo Publishers. Pp. 3-12. | ||||
Human Rights Watch (2007). Criminal politics, violence, godfathers and corruption in Nigeria. Human Rights Watch, Lagos. vol. 19(16). | ||||
Ibrahim, S. M., Sanusi, A. & Muddassir, A. G. (2023) Corruption and its impact on socio-economic development in selected countries of Africa. African Journal of Politics and Administrative Studies, 16(2), 23-46. https://doi.org/10.4314/ajpas.v16i2.2 |
||||
ICPC (2006). Nigeria and corruption. Independent corrupt practices and other related offences commission. | ||||
Independent Corrupt Practices Commission Act, 2000. The Federal Republic of Nigeria, | ||||
Izekor, A. O., & Okaro, C. S. (2018). Effect of corruption on crude oil revenue earnings in Nigeria (1996-2015). International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 5(1), 9-15. | ||||
Kong, T. Y. (1996). Corruption and its institutional foundations: The experience of South Korea. IDS Bulletin, 27(2), 48-55. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1759-5436.1996.mp27002007.x |
||||
Kulkarni, G. S., & Ranjan, R. S. (1992). Perceptions of development as empowerment. In: Cinnéide, M. Ơ., & Grimes, S. (eds.). Planning development of marginal areas (pp. 135-142). Center for Development Studies, Social Science Research Center: University Collage of Galway. | ||||
Maduekwe, V. C., Mbah, C. C., & Ojukwu, U. G. (2019). Theory of divine origin of state and good governance in Nigeria. London Journal of Research in Science: Natural and Formal, 19(6), 29-42. | ||||
Mazi Mbah, C. C., & Ojukwu, U. G. (2019). Modernization theories and the study of development today: A critical analysis. International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 3(4), 17-21. | ||||
Mazi Mbah, C. C., Ojukwu, U. G., & Okoye, P. B. (2019). "Poverty in the developing countries is caused by the development of underdevelopment": Unpacking Andre Gunder Frank (1967) in Twenty First Century Third World Politics. International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 3(11), 67-71. | ||||
Nigerian News Watch Magazine, March 13, 2003, p.5 | ||||
Nnavozie, O. U. (1990). The bureaucracy and national department: The case of Nigeria. In: Tyoden, S. A. (ed.). Constitutionalism and national development in Nigeria. Proceedings of the 17th annual Conference of the NSPA held at the University of Jos - Nov, 1990. | ||||
Nwabuzor, A. (2005). Corruption and development: New initiatives in economic openness and strengthened rule of law. Journal of Business Ethics, 59, 121-138. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-005-3402-3 |
||||
Nye, J. S. (1970). Corruption and political development: A cost benefits analysis. In: Heidenheimer, A. J. (ed.). Political corruption. New York: Transaction Publishers. | ||||
Nyoni, T. (2018). The war against corruption in Nigeria: devouring or sharing the national cake? Munich Personal Archive. Retrieved 28th August 2024 from https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/87615/ | ||||
Obasanjo, O. (1999). Public service reform in Nigeria. Abuja: Government Press. | ||||
Ocheni, S., & Nwankwo, B. C. (2012). Analysis of colonialism and its impact in Africa. Cross-Cultural Communication, 8(3), 46-54. | ||||
Ogbewere, B. I. (2015). Anatomy of corruption in the Nigerian public sector: Theoretical perspectives and some empirical explanations. Sage Open, 5(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244015581188 |
||||
Ogundiya, I. S. (2009). Political corruption in Nigeria: Theoretical perspectives and some explanations. The Anthropologist, 11(4), 281-292. https://doi.org/10.1080/09720073.2009.11891117 |
||||
Ojo, E. O. (2018). The Anti-Graft War under President Muhammadu Buhari. In: Ojo, E. O., Luqman, S., Muhammad, A. A. (eds.). Some selected governance issues in Nigeria's Fourth Republic. College Press, lead city University, Ibadan. | ||||
Oladipo, E. O. (2006). "Sustainable development: Concepts and practice. In: Ivbijaro, M. F.A., Akintola, F., & Okechukwu, R. U. (eds.). Sustainable environmental management in Nigeria. Ibadan: College Press and Publishers Ltd. Pp. 9-22. | ||||
Onah, F. N., Ugwuibe, C. O., Nwogbo, D. C., & Osadebe, N. O. (2022). Work ethics and sustainable service delivery in Nigeria public service. Journal of Economics and Allied Research, 7(2), 93-110. | ||||
Osaghae, E. E. (2011). Crippled giant: Nigeria since independence. Ibadan: John Archers Publishers Limited. | ||||
Owasanoye, B. (2014). Justice or impunity? High profile corruption cases crawling or gone to sleep. Lagos: Human Development Initiatives. | ||||
Philip, D. D. (2013). Corruption as bane for under-development in Nigeria: issues and challenges. International Affairs and Global Strategy Journal, 6(3), 15-24. | ||||
Public Complaints Commission Act, 1991. The Federal Republic of Nigeria. | ||||
Richard, J. (1987). Democracy and prebendal politics in Nigeria: The rise and fall of the Second Republic. London: Cambridge University Press. | ||||
Rodney, W. (1972). How Europe underdeveloped Africa. London: Bogle-L'Ouverture Publications. | ||||
Routledge, P. (1995). Resisting and reshaping the modern: Social movements and the development process. In: Taylor, P. J., Watts, M. J., & Jhonstan, R. J. (eds.), Geographies of global change: Remapping the World in the Late Twentieth Century. Blackwell. Oxford. Pp. 263-279. | ||||
Semasinghe, W. M. (2016). Growth, pro-poor growth, inclusive growth and poverty. SAMPR ASADANA, Department of History: University of Kelaniya. | ||||
SERAP (2013). SERAP in Action: Promoting transparency and respect for socio-economic rights. Retrieved from www.serap-nigeria.org. | ||||
Sr. Hope, K. (1996). Development in the third world; From policy failure to policy reform. USA: M.E Sharpe Inc. | ||||
Staudt, K. (1991). Managing development; state society and international contexts, London: Sage Publications Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483325798 |
||||
The Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) (1999). Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Abuja: Federal Government Printer. | ||||
The Nigerian Nation Newspapers, 29th August, 2019. | ||||
The Nigerian Premium Times Newspapers, 16th November, 2019. | ||||
The Nigerian Premium Times Newspapers, 24th September, 2019. | ||||
The SERVICOM Book (2006). Delivery service in Nigeria: A road map. A report presented by the office for public service reform. United Kingdom. Pp. 1-28. | ||||
Transparency International (2002). Frequently asked questions about corruption perception index, Press release. Retrieved from www.transparency.org. | ||||
Transparency International (2016). Corruption indices. In: Nwogu, J. A., & Ijirshar, V. U. (2016). The impact of corruption on economic growth and cultural values in Nigeria: a need for value re-orientation. International Journal of Economics & Management Sciences, 6(1), 1-7. | ||||
Transparency International (2017). Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2017 report. Retrieved from www.transparency.org. | ||||
Transparency International (2020). Corruption Perception Index (CPI) parameter. Ten most corrupt African country in the world. Retrieved from www.transparency.org. | ||||
Transparency International (2023). Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023 report. Retrieved 28th August, 2024 from www.transparency.org/. | ||||
Transparency International, (1999-2023). Corruption Perception Index (CPI) parameter. Retrieved from www.transparency.org. | ||||
Ubeku, A. K. (1991). The social and economic foundations of corruption and other economic crimes in Nigeria", Ajibola, Bala, perspectives on corruption and other economic crimes in Nigeria, Lagos: Federal Ministry of Justice. | ||||
UNDP (2010). Human development report 2010: The real wealth of nations - pathways to human development. New York. Retrieved from https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/ files/migration/ly/HDR_2010_EN_Complete_reprint-1.pdf. |