Perspectives on Corruption and Contemporary Anti-Corruption Policies in Nigeria: A Critique*

Abstract

Corruption which is an anti- social concept is the use of one’s position wherever located to earn underserved benefits for oneself or for others. Its effects are devastating to the growth of the individual, society and the country at large. Corruption as an aspect of crime is traceable to so many factors. According to bio-physiological theorists, there are born criminals who are known and could be identified by their physical features just like the psychological theorists contend that the character traits of the individual is responsible for his criminal activities. On the other hand, socio-cultural theorists contend that it is the surrounding circumstances in the environment of the individual that makes him to be involved in crime. Just as demonological theorists believe that the devil makes people to commit sin. The above theories have their usefulness in the understanding of the causes of corruption in the society. The socio-cultural theorists however appear to have most of the factors responsible for corruption in Nigeria such as the nature of our political economy, poverty, lack of essential amenities, fears of the unknown, wrong value system, attitude to public service job, unemployment, poor reward system and etc. The government in her bid to combat corruption has enacted some anti-corruption legislations such as the E.F.C.C and I.C.P.C Acts, the Criminal Code and introduced some palliatives that would help to avoid corruption for persons in the public and private  sectors of the economy but the problem of corruption  continues to be. This paper intends to critically look at the above issues and proffer solutions on how to eradicate or reduce corruption in Nigeria.

Keywords: Corruption, crimes, origins, causes, panacea, strategies.

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/89-12

Publication date:September 30^th 2019