Corruption as a Bane of National Development in Nigeria

• Main Author: Dikko, Ibrahim Muhammed
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: AJMS 2020
• Subjects: HD61 Risk Management
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/27838/1/INSORPAD%20598%20607.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/27838/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

The paper assessed corruption as a bane of national development in Nigeria. Over the years, corruption has been one of the major challenges affecting the development of Nigeria since the attainment of independence in 1960. This devastating situation appears non-stop in spite of several attempts to reverse the negative trends especially in the 21st century. Secondary source was used. The study adopted content analysis as its methodological orientation. It reveals that, in most cases, transparency and accountability are not reflected in the implementation of most of our policies and programmes which undermines the quest for national development. These lead to the continued infrastructural deficit and the struggle towards realizing socio-economic development and overall national integration. The paper recommends the need to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption agencies in carrying out their responsibilities without interference, in order for transparency and accountability to prevail. Governments should always engage civil societies and protect citizens, activists, whistle-blowers, and journalists in monitoring and exposing corruption. Finally, it is only leadership that emerges through free and fair election and has the people at heart can be relevant to the development of 21st century Nigeria, amidst the numerous challenges facing the country in the present democratic regime.