Promoting Transparency & Accountability for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria

Abstract

Accountability and transparency constitute the panacea for sustainable democracy in forward looking nations of the world. This paper therefore, outlines possible causes of corruption, their economic impact and general effect on the socio-political well being of the Nigerian citizenry. It further discusses the sensitive issues of foreign debt, the apparently very laudable programmes without benefits (due to non-transparent modes of implementation), oil revenues, and delayed auditing of petroleum proceeds. It also addresses the anti-corruption machineries of government and some of the notable achievements recorded. The way forward is expected to, among others, address the Niger Delta question, with particular regard to the prolonged issues of youth restiveness, abject poverty, deprivation/marginalization, unemployment and the resultant most devastating dimension of disruption of oil exploration and exploitation activities.

Keywords: Transparency, Accountability and Sustainable Democracy