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Journal VOL. 1 NO. 1, June. 2019, ISSN: 2714 - 4054

 

The Challenges of Fighting Corruption in Nigeria's Fourth Republic

Dauda Isa, Shuaib Olarewaju Moyosore

 

ABSTRACT

The phenomenon of corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria but what is worrisome is the extent of its prevalence in the country. Nigeria has been ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world on several occasions by Transparency International (TI). The collateral damages of corruption cannot be quantified as its effects on Nigeria's socio-economic and political life has become a source of concern. In view of the above, this paper attempts to examine corruption as an intervening variable between politics and the economy in Nigeria's Fourth Republic with a view to understanding the continuous growth and effects of corruption in the face of several efforts to stemming the tides. Methodologically, the study relied largely on secondary data and the use of descriptive method for its analysis. This study found out that there exist an inseparable relationship between Nigerian political elites, corruption and the nature of post-colonial state. The paper submits that the post-independent Nigeria generally and Fourth Republic in particular on one hand has continually served as prebendal avenue for privatizing public funds and resources while on the other hand remained as protection against punishments for offenders. This has made it difficult for effective fight against corruption. The paper is of the view that tackling corruption requires multidimensional and holistic approaches which include prevention, sustained political will, strengthening of governmental institutions, tightening the noose of anti-corruption laws and enforcement of such laws. It therefore concludes that corruption in Nigeria can be likened to cancer defiant of several concerted efforts; solutions should not stir despair and despondence as all hands need to be on deck to tackle the menace.

 

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