The Effectiveness and Ineffectiveness of Combating Corruption in Nigeria

Abstract

Corruption is a great disaster that destroys the socio-economic development and political prosperity of any nation. The menace has caused developing countries to fall behind in terms of national and international development. This prompted both state actors and international organisations to wage war against corruption through multiple strategies. The Nigerian fourth republic follows the race in combating corruption and enhancing national development through anti-corruption institutions such as EFCC and ICPC to sanitise the political economy of the state. This paper elucidates the challenges in combating corruption with aim of offering solutions. Despite the existence of antigraft institutions, corruption is still going on due to the lack of political will by the government, political interference, lack of autonomy, paucity of funds among others. Descriptive analysis was duly adopted for this study. Secondary data collection methods were used to collect necessary data for the study. In this regard, secondary data were gathered from textbooks, journals and internet facilities. The study recommended, among other things, that only competent, experienced and morally upright persons should be appointed to leadership positions in anti-corruption agencies in the country. It was also recommended that sufficient funds should be voted for anti-corruption agencies to enable them to acquire necessary security equipment.