Corruption is a form of dishonesty or criminal offense undertaken by a person or organization entrusted with a position of authority in order to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for personal gain. Corruption is a deep-rooted problem that runs through every Nigerian government and has worsened despite government efforts to fight it over the years. Billions of naira is lost every year to embezzlement, contract fraud, and the seizing of salaries from ghost workers.
Forms of corruption can include bribery, lobbying, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, parochialism, influence peddling, graft, and embezzlement.
There are two major types of corruption
1. Petit corruption: This involves smaller amounts of money and has lesser effects on the country. Examples of petit corruption include paying undue fees to see a medical doctor, go through checkpoints, obtain professional promotions, or reverse a court judgment.
2. Grand corruption: This involves larger sums of money and has a significant and lasting impact on the country. Examples of grand corruption include government officials embezzling money for public projects, increasing the salaries of lawmakers to legislate in favour of individuals or groups, poorly constructed projects, and awarding public contracts to unqualified bidders.
The causes of corruption in Nigeria include greed, ostentatious lifestyle, customs, and people’s attitudes. Tribalism is also a root cause.
The impacts of corruption in Nigeria are significant. Corruption lowers governance effectiveness, decreases the quality of goods and services, and makes obtaining them more expensive, time-consuming, and unfair. Corruption diverts talent and resources away from productive activities, ultimately raising production costs and reducing the profitability of investments.
Efforts to combat corruption:
Recognizing the urgent need to address this grave issue, Nigeria has implemented various initiatives to combat corruption. One notable effort was the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These agencies play a crucial role in investigating, prosecuting, and preventing corrupt practices. Additionally, Nigeria has enacted laws and policies, such as the Freedom of Information Act, to promote transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, international collaboration and cooperation have been instrumental in the fight against corruption. Nigeria has partnered with organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank, which have provided technical assistance, expertise, and financial support to bolster anti-corruption efforts.
While progress has been made in combating corruption there is still much work to done.
Areas of improvement that can address corruption:
1. Strengthen regimes to prevent corruption and bring corrupt actors to justice.
2. Prohibit the direct and indirect offering of bribes or gratification to influence official acts related to official duties.
3. Ensure low inflation.
4. Expose corrupt activities and their consequences.
5. Align anti-corruption measures with market, behavioral, and social forces.
In conclusion, corruption is a poison that has infiltrated the minds of many individuals in our society today. With consistent political and social efforts, we can hopefully eradicate corruption.
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Immaculata Melodia Awunor is a student of the Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka
