Corruption as a Bane for Under-Development in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Corruption is widespread in most government in Nigeria not because the people are different from people from other part of the World, but because the society is conducive for it. There are many reasons why this is so. Leadership styles that encourage corruption at all level, the motivation to earn income from among the civil servants is relatively stronger; exacerbated by poverty, under-employment and low wages. In Nigeria, accountability is generally weak, political competitions and civil liberties are often restricted. Laws and principles of ethics in government are poorly developed and the legal institutions charged with enforcing them (ICPC and EFCC) are ill- prepared.  On the whole, to shift from practice to result, it is suggested that there is need for improvement in the socio- economic life of the people and leadership by example; punitive measures on corruption practices and value re -orientation as well as independence of enforcement agencies.