By Olakunle Agboola – Corruption in Nigeria permeates every sector of society, including government, education, healthcare, business, the judiciary, sports, and even religion. Despite being Africa’s largest economy and one of the most resource-rich countries, systemic corruption continues to hold the country back. The roots of corruption in Nigeria run deep, and its effects on average Nigerians are devastating and widespread.
Historical and Structural Roots of Corruption in Nigeria
Corruption in Nigeria can be traced back to the colonial era. During British rule, power was centralized in the hands of a few, creating a system that disenfranchised the majority. This foundation of inequality and exploitation laid the groundwork for post-colonial governments that prioritized the consolidation of power over public service. When Nigeria gained independence in 1960, this top-down structure remained largely intact, fostering a culture where wealth and authority were concentrated in the hands of a few elites.
Over the decades, Nigeria has experienced both military and civilian rule, with transitions between the two systems further entrenching corruption. Patronage politics, where loyalty is exchanged for resources, and cronyism, where those in power favor friends and family, have become the norm. In this environment, corruption has thrived across all sectors—public and private—perpetuating a vicious cycle.
Why Are All Sectors Corrupt?
The pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria can be attributed to several interrelated factors:
Weak Institutions
One of the primary reasons for widespread corruption is the weakness of Nigeria’s institutions. Key institutions, such as the judiciary, law enforcement, anti-corruption agencies, and regulatory bodies, are often underfunded, politically manipulated, or deliberately weakened. It is difficult for these institutions to hold individuals and organizations accountable because they take directives from the government in power.
For instance, Anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are seen more as political tools than independent ombudsmen.
The selective prosecution of corrupt individuals—usually targeting political opponents—undermines public confidence and the intended purpose of the institution.
Most Nigerians do not take the EFCC seriously, viewing it as a political tool incapable of effectively combating corruption in Nigeria. The institution is often seen as powerless, primarily targeting internet fraudsters, or “Yahoo boys,” as a way to demonstrate authority, while neglecting more significant issues of corruption.
Economic Disparities
Extreme economic inequality and widespread poverty contribute significantly to corruption at all levels in Nigeria. With an unemployment rate exceeding 33%, many Nigerians live in precarious economic conditions. In such an environment, survival often takes precedence over integrity.
Individuals in both the public and private sectors may engage in corrupt practices, not out of greed, but as a means of survival. Public officials, for instance, may accept bribes due to inadequate salaries that fail to cover basic living expenses.
This is particularly common among police officers, who, despite their duty to protect lives and property, may accept bribes while on duty, leading to a breakdown of law and order.
The economic insecurity extends to the informal sector, which constitutes over 60% of Nigeria’s economy. Small business owners or informal workers often feel compelled to pay bribes to government officials to operate without harassment. This perpetuates a cycle where corruption becomes an economic necessity for many.
Cultural Norms and Social Expectations
Corruption has become deeply embedded in Nigeria’s social fabric over the years. A culture of impunity, where corrupt behavior is either overlooked or celebrated, has made ethical conduct the exception rather than the rule.
In many communities, success is often measured by an individual’s wealth, regardless of how it was acquired. This has fostered an environment where engaging in corrupt practices, such as embezzlement, fraud, or bribery, is viewed as normal.
Traditional social structures further exacerbate the problem by emphasizing loyalty to family and community over the collective good. As a result, nepotism becomes common, with public officeholders feeling obligated to use their positions to benefit their immediate family, friends, or ethnic group, deepening the corruption.
For many, the primary motivation for entering politics or seeking political office is to steal or embezzle public funds. A notable example is Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team. He was accused of embezzling billions of naira from pension funds.
Despite being declared wanted by the EFCC, he fled the country and later returned under unclear circumstances, raising questions about how his case was handled. Although he was eventually arrested, the entire process was drawn out and clouded by controversy.
Similarly, Diezani Alison-Madueke, the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, was accused of misappropriating billions of dollars in oil revenues during her tenure. Despite being charged in absentia, she has not been extradited from the UK, where she currently resides, leaving many of the allegations unresolved.
Other prominent political figures such as Bukola Saraki, Orji Uzor Kalu, Stella Oduah, James Ibori, Femi Fani-Kayode, Ayodele Fayose, Rochas Okorocha, and Danjuma Goje have all faced allegations of embezzling public funds. Yet, despite the gravity of these accusations, they remain largely untouched, demonstrating the pervasive influence of corruption and the inability or unwillingness of anti-corruption agencies to hold these individuals accountable.
The Ripple Effect of Corruption
The widespread corruption in Nigeria has profound consequences for average citizens, manifesting in several key areas:
Worsening Poverty and Inequality
Corruption exacerbates poverty and inequality. Despite Nigeria’s wealth in natural resources, particularly oil, much of the country’s revenue is siphoned off by corrupt officials, leaving little for essential services like infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
As a result, basic services are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive for most Nigerians. This drives a cycle of poverty, where the rich get richer, and the poor are left with limited opportunities to improve their conditions.
Deterioration of Public Services
Corruption in sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation has led to a steady decline in the quality of public services. In healthcare, for example, professionals may demand bribes for services that should be free, while government funds meant for hospitals are often embezzled. This results in an underfunded, ill-equipped healthcare system, leading to high rates of preventable diseases and deaths.
Similarly, in education, teachers and school administrators may solicit bribes from students or parents, and funds meant for school improvements are misappropriated. This creates poor learning environments, inadequate resources, and a lack of qualified teachers, all of which undermine the prospects of Nigerian youth.
Erosion of Trust in Government
Corruption has eroded trust in government institutions. Many Nigerians believe that their leaders are primarily self-serving, which has resulted in minimal public participation in governance. This disillusionment fosters a sense of helplessness, where citizens feel there is little they can do to change the system. As trust in government declines, social cohesion weakens, and it becomes more challenging to implement policies or initiatives aimed at national development.
Stifling of Economic Growth
Corruption discourages both local and foreign investment, stifling economic growth. Investors are reluctant to put their money into a system where contracts are awarded based on favoritism, bribes are necessary to navigate bureaucracy, and the rule of law is weak. Without robust investment, the economy struggles to grow, resulting in fewer job opportunities and lower wages for the average Nigerian.
Average Nigerians bear the brunt.
Corruption in Nigeria is a deeply rooted issue that affects all sectors of society. Average Nigerians bear the brunt of systemic corruption, experiencing its consequences in the form of poverty, deteriorating public services, insecurity, and stunted economic growth are significant issues stemming from corruption. To effectively combat this problem, Nigeria needs a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across all sectors.
Without these reforms, the ripple effects of corruption will persist, undermining national development and the well-being of the people, as well as their ability to choose effective leaders who can unite individuals for a common purpose.
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