Historical Dynamics of the Anti- Corruption War in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper deals with the discourse on historical dynamics of the anti- corruption war in Nigeria. The culture of corruption has been the major problem of governance in Nigeria and this has negatively affected the external image of the country as the nation has consistently remained one of the most corrupt nations in the world. Methodologically, the paper adopted a qualitative research technique of data collection through the content analysis of various studies conducted by scholars who have made outstanding contributions on the practice of governance and anti-corruption policy within and outside Nigeria. The findings from the study reveals that, despite the establishment of various anti-graft agencies, incidences of corruption continue to abound in Nigeria and various efforts by individual and different stakeholders in anti-corruption campaigns has not achieved any meaningful results. The study therefore, recommends that, in combating corruption at all levels of government and institutions, the government must amend the Penal and Criminal Code (law) which were outdated and drafted over fifty year ago when the country faced lesser crime. The sanctions contained in these laws are insufficient to the offence committed. These laws must be amended in line with the Chinese legal system which lay emphasis on stiffer sanction on corrupt practices. Life imprisonment should melted out on any official who steal above N15 million naira and death penalty for N100 million above.

Key words: Corruption, Anti-graft, Governance, Bribery, Penal Code, Criminal Code.

DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/9-9-08

Publication date:September 30^th 2019