Corruption and Development in Nigeria: A Critical Re-Examination

Abstract

This paper sets out to examine the effects of corruption on the overall development of Nigeria with emphasis on the argument that Nigeria as a country is blessed with both human and natural resources but due to corruption, particularly, public corruption, the misuse of public office for private gain, Nigerian society has experienced abject poverty and underdevelopment. Using historical and content analysis, relevant data were derived from the review of relevant literature. Relying on the political economy approach, the paper traced the problem of corruption to colonialism which persisted even after independence. Among other thing, the paper reveal that the Nigerian society is and looting of public property, lack of transparency and accountability among the ruling class. Among other suggestion, the paper recommends, de-emphasizing wealth and shunning those individual who have enriched themselves with stolen public money instead of worshipping them.

Keywords: Corruption, Development, Transparency, Accountability and Re-Examination