THE CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA A THREAT TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ABSTRACT
The research provides a conceptual and theoretical appraisal of corruption in
Nigeria as a threat to sustainable economic
development. It elucidate the nature and effect of corruption and determine measures to mitigate and eliminate the
trend in Nigeria.
INTRODUCTION
Amuwo (2005) and Obayelu (2007) consider corruption as the exploitation of public position, resources and power for
private gain. Fjeldstad&Isaksen (2008, p. 3) and Ogundiya (2009, p. 5) define corruption as “the betrayal of public
trust for individual or sectional gain.” Obayelu went further to identify corruption as “efforts to secure wealth or power
through illegal means for private gain at public expense; or a misuse of power for private benefit.” Corruption covers a
broad spectrum of activities ranging from fraud (theft through misrepresentation), embezzlement (misappropriation of
corporate or public funds) to bribery (payments made in order to gain an advantage or to avoid a disadvantage). From
a political point of view, Aiyede (2006, p. 5) views corruption as “the abuse or misuse of public or governmental power
Free e-book by Josef Prusa
Understand 3D printing technologies currently available
and how they work.
Ad Prusa Research Download
for illegitimate private advantages.” His view corroborates the position of Lip set and Lenz (2000) that corruption is an
effort to secure wealth or power through illegal means for private benefit at public expense. Tanzi (1998) adds that
such abuse of public power may not necessarily be for one’s private benefit but for the benefit of one’s party, class,
tribe, or family. Although corruption is global in scope, it is more pronounced in developing societies because of their
weak institutions. It is minimal in developed nations because of existing institutional control mechanisms which are
more developed and effective.
CHAPTER I
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The effects of corruption on a nation’s economy are damaging. A nation inundated with corruption cannot be viable
economically; neither can the system generate enough support/ affection required for the survival of democratic
system. This is a situation in Nigeria where corruption has become part and parcel of the political culture. Corruption
has indeed robbed Nigerians the benefit of economic development because scarce available resources that should
have been deployed to execute development project have gone into private foreign accounts.
Corruption is widespread in Nigeria, not because the people are different from other parts of the world, but because
the conditions are ripe for it. There are many reasons why this is so. The motivation to earn income from among the
populace is relatively stronger; exacerbated by poverty, unemployment and low wages. In many developing countries
Nigeria inclusive, accountability is generally weak. Political competition and civil liberties are often restricted. Laws
and principles of ethics in governance are poorly developed and the legal institutions charged with enforcing them are
ill-prepared
The research seeks to investigate corruption in Nigeria as a threat to sustainable Economic development
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The problem confronting this research is to appraise corruption in Nigeria as a threat to sustainable economic
development
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION
1 What is the nature of corruption in Nigeria?
2 What are the causes of corruption in Nigeria?
3 What is the effect of corruption on sustainable economic development in Nigeria?
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
1 To appraise the nature of corruption in Nigeria
2 To determine the causes and effect of corruption on sustainable economic development in Nigeria
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study shall project the ill effect of corruption on the economic development of Nigeria.
It shall also serve a veritable source of information on issues of corruption
1.6 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESIS
1 H0 Sustainable economic development in Nigeria is high
H1 Sustainable economic development in Nigeria is low
2 H0 Corruption in Nigeria is low
H1 Corruption in Nigeria is high
3 H0 The effect of corruption on sustainable economic development in Nigeria is low
H1 The effect of corruption on sustainable economic development in Nigeria is high
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study appraises corruption in Nigeria and elucidates its effect on sustainable economic development
THE CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA A THREAT TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT