Corruption has plagued Nigeria for decades, severely undermining the nation’s development and growth potential. The complexity of corruption in the country is multifaceted, with various actors playing key roles in perpetuating this systemic issue. Among these actors, civil servants, the National Assembly, and the banking system stand out as instrumental in both fostering and facilitating corruption. This essay will explore these dimensions of corruption in Nigeria.
Corruption is broadly defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. In Nigeria, this takes many forms, from bribery and misappropriation of funds to the manipulation of budgets by legislators and civil servants. Particularly alarming is the reported statistic that civil servants contribute over 30% to the corruption in Nigeria, while the National Assembly accounts for over 60%. The sheer magnitude of these contributions indicates a systemic problem that affects the efficacy of governance and public trust. It is crucial to recognize the various channels through which this corruption manifests, particularly in the context of budgetary manipulations that involve additions of up to N1.4 trillion, with expectations for increases to over N2 trillion in subsequent years.
The roots of this corruption can largely be traced back to systemic inefficiencies and a lack of accountability within Nigeria’s political and bureaucratic structures. Civil servants, tasked with implementing government policies, often find their roles compromised by systemic pressures, including the need to comply with corrupt practices that may promise higher personal gain than adhering to ethical conduct. The National Assembly, meanwhile, frequently engages in budgetary padding—adding excessive line items to the proposed budget that do not directly benefit the populace but instead serve as a conduit for personal enrichment. This manipulation is typically justified through claims of resource allocation for developmental projects, which often never see the light of day.
If current trends continue, the future of corruption in Nigeria appears bleak. The expected increase in the budget padding by the National Assembly will likely exacerbate an already dire situation, leading to even greater public discontent and disenfranchisement. Additionally, the complicity of banking systems, which assist in laundering the illicitly acquired wealth through channels such as Bureau de Change, will continue to shield corrupt practices from scrutiny. Should civil society and the public remain passive, the expectation is that corruption will deepen its roots, ultimately stifling economic growth and leading to increasing inequality and poverty levels.
From a normative perspective, the extensive corruption facilitated by civil servants and the National Assembly raises fundamental questions about ethical governance in Nigeria. The moral fabric of society is stretched thin when those in power prioritize personal gain over the collective good. Citizens must demand accountability and integrity from their elected representatives, especially in the National Assembly, where their power dynamics appear tilted towards self-serving interests. There’s a clear need for an ethical reawakening among the electorate: they must actively question the integrity of the candidates they support and challenge their motivations for pursuing public office.
To combat corruption effectively, pragmatic steps need to be taken. Citizens must begin to take a stand by advocating for transparency and accountability in governance. This can be achieved by being more discerning in their electoral choices and supporting initiatives aimed at reforming the bureaucratic and legislative processes. Reforms that encourage public participation in budgetary processes and increase transparency in financial dealings are essential. Furthermore, the strengthened regulation of financial systems must be prioritized to close loopholes that allow for the laundering of corruptly acquired funds.
Corruption in Nigeria, driven significantly by civil servants and the National Assembly, is a pervasive dilemma that requires urgent attention. The collaboration between these entities and the banking sector only serves to deepen the crisis. It is incumbent upon the Nigerian populace to advocate for ethical governance and to elect representatives committed to the public good. Only through collective action can the tide of corruption be turned and Nigeria positioned for genuine sustainable development.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
Mobile: +2349053535322.
