When corruption became an acceptable part of Nigerian society by Eze Ogbu

Corruption, a pervasive issue in many developing nations, has reached a point in Nigeria where it has become ingrained in the fabric of society. In some cases, it has even gained a level of acceptability. From the political elite to the lower echelons of government and society, corruption has infiltrated various sectors, creating an environment that rewards dishonesty, undermines trust, and perpetuates inequality.

To understand the current state of corruption in Nigeria, we must delve into its historical roots. Nigeria, like many post-colonial states, inherited an administrative system that was prone to inefficiencies and corruption. During British rule, the colonial government relied on a centralized system of administration, which left little room for accountability or transparency. As Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the country inherited a political and bureaucratic structure that lacked robust mechanisms to prevent corruption.

In the decades following independence, Nigeria’s oil wealth became both a blessing and a curse. The discovery of oil in the Niger Delta brought immense wealth to the country, but it also fuelled corruption as political leaders and elites sought to control and exploit these resources for personal gain. Military coups and authoritarian regimes exacerbated the problem, as they often lacked democratic checks and balances, creating fertile ground for corruption to thrive. The result has been a culture where corruption is seen as a normal part of life and, in some cases, as a necessary tool for survival.

One of the most troubling aspects of corruption in Nigeria is how it has become normalized. For many Nigerians, engaging in corrupt practices is not just an occasional deviation from the rules but a routine part of life. The perception that corruption is a necessary evil permeates many areas of society, from obtaining basic government services to securing employment or contracts.

In Nigeria, political corruption is perhaps the most visible and damaging form. Elected officials often prioritize personal enrichment over serving their constituents. The practice of "godfatherism," where powerful political figures sponsor candidates in exchange for loyalty and financial kickbacks, is commonplace. This creates a system where political office is seen not as a public service but as a business investment.

Electoral fraud, vote-buying, and the embezzlement of public funds are rampant. The misuse of state resources to fund personal projects, bribe officials, or manipulate elections ensures that political power remains in the hands of the corrupt elite. This creates a vicious cycle in which the political system is sustained by corruption, and those in power have little incentive to reform it.

Beyond politics, corruption has infiltrated Nigeria’s institutions, including law enforcement, the judiciary, education, and healthcare. Law enforcement agencies are often underpaid and under-resourced, leading many officers to solicit bribes to supplement their income. The judiciary, which should act as a check on corruption, is also compromised by bribery and political interference. In many cases, justice is only available to those who can afford to pay for it.

In the education sector, corruption manifests in the form of bribery for admissions, grades, and certificates. The healthcare system is similarly plagued by bribery, with patients often required to pay under the table to receive basic care. These forms of institutional corruption erode public trust and perpetuate inequality, as only those with the means to pay for corrupt services can access opportunities and resources.

Over time, corruption has become so pervasive in Nigeria that it has gained a degree of cultural acceptance. In some cases, corrupt behaviour is even celebrated. For instance, wealthy individuals who have amassed their fortunes through corrupt means are often admired and respected within their communities. This creates a situation where success is associated with the ability to manipulate the system, rather than with hard work or integrity.

This cultural acceptance of corruption is reinforced by a lack of accountability. High-profile individuals who are caught engaging in corrupt practices often face little to no consequences. When corrupt leaders are not held accountable, it sends a message to the public that corruption is acceptable, further entrenching it in society.

The normalization of corruption in Nigeria has far-reaching consequences, affecting every aspect of society and hindering the nation’s development.

One of the most significant consequences of corruption is its impact on economic growth. Nigeria, despite its vast natural resources, remains one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of per capita income. Corruption distorts markets, discourages foreign investment, and reduces the efficiency of public spending. When public funds are siphoned off by corrupt officials, there is less money available for infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and other essential services.

Corruption also contributes to economic inequality, as it disproportionately benefits the wealthy and well-connected, while leaving the majority of the population in poverty. This creates a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break, as those who are marginalized by corruption have fewer opportunities to improve their economic situation.

When corruption becomes normalized, trust in government institutions erodes. Citizens lose faith in the ability of the government to provide basic services, protect their rights, or act in their best interests. This lack of trust can lead to political instability, as people become disillusioned with the political process and may turn to alternative means of securing their needs, including violent protests or insurgencies.

In Nigeria, the erosion of trust in government has fuelled the rise of extremist groups like Boko Haram, which exploit the grievances of marginalized communities to recruit members. Corruption within the security forces has also hampered efforts to combat these groups, as soldiers and police officers are often under-equipped, underpaid, and susceptible to bribery.

Corruption exacerbates social divisions by creating a system of inequality and favouritism. In Nigeria, access to resources and opportunities is often determined by one’s connections or ability to pay bribes, rather than merit or need. This leads to resentment among those who are excluded from the system and reinforces existing divisions along ethnic, religious, and regional lines.

Moreover, the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few corrupt individuals or groups can fuel social tensions and conflicts. In regions like the Niger Delta, where local communities feel that they have been marginalized and exploited by corrupt elites, there have been violent uprisings and militant movements seeking greater control over local resources.

Corruption undermines the democratic process by distorting electoral outcomes and weakening political accountability. When elections are decided by bribes and vote-buying, rather than by the will of the people, democracy becomes a hollow exercise. Furthermore, when corrupt officials are able to manipulate the judicial system to avoid prosecution, there is little incentive for them to govern responsibly.

The result is a political system that is unresponsive to the needs of the people and resistant to reform. This lack of accountability erodes public confidence in democracy and can lead to political instability, as citizens become increasingly disillusioned with the democratic process.

Despite the deep entrenchment of corruption in Nigeria, there is hope for change. While the challenges are formidable, there are several steps that can be taken to address the issue of corruption and rebuild trust in government institutions.

One of the most critical steps in combating corruption is to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions, particularly the judiciary, law enforcement, and anti-corruption agencies. This requires not only increasing funding and resources for these institutions but also ensuring that they operate independently of political interference. Anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) need to be empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption cases without fear of retribution from powerful political figures.

Judicial reforms are also essential to ensure that the courts are free from bribery and political influence. This could include measures such as increasing salaries for judges and law enforcement officers, improving oversight mechanisms, and establishing special anti-corruption courts to handle cases more efficiently.

Addressing corruption in Nigeria will require strong political will and leadership at the highest levels of government. The president, governors, and other political leaders must lead by example and commit to fighting corruption within their own ranks. This includes holding high-profile individuals accountable for corrupt practices, even if they are members of the ruling party or have powerful connections.

In addition, political parties must adopt internal reforms to promote transparency and accountability in their selection of candidates. This could involve the introduction of merit-based criteria for candidacy, as well as the establishment of internal mechanisms to address corruption within the party structure.

A key factor in the fight against corruption is civic engagement. Nigerian citizens must be empowered to hold their leaders accountable and demand transparency in government. Civil society organizations, the media, and grassroots movements play a critical role in raising awareness about the dangers of corruption and advocating for reform.

Education is also essential in changing the cultural acceptance of corruption. By teaching the values of integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility in schools, Nigeria can begin to cultivate a new generation of leaders and citizens who reject corruption as a way of life. Public awareness campaigns that highlight the negative impact of corruption on society can also help shift public attitudes and encourage greater demand for accountability.

Leveraging technology can be a powerful tool in the fight against corruption. E-governance platforms that allow citizens to access government services online can reduce opportunities for bribery and extortion. For example, the introduction of digital payment systems for public services can eliminate the need for face-to-face interactions with officials, reducing the risk of corruption.

Transparency is also essential in building public trust. The government should adopt open data policies that allow citizens to monitor public spending, government contracts, and the allocation of resources. By making this information publicly available, citizens and civil society organizations can hold government officials accountable for the use of public funds.

Given the global nature of corruption, international cooperation is crucial in addressing the issue in Nigeria. Corrupt individuals often hide their illicit wealth in foreign bank accounts or invest in assets abroad. By working with international partners, Nigeria can strengthen its ability to trace and recover stolen assets. Organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the World Bank can also provide technical assistance and support for anti-corruption initiatives.

Additionally, multinational corporations operating in Nigeria must be held accountable for their role in perpetuating corruption. This can be achieved through stricter enforcement of anti-bribery laws and greater transparency in business practices.

Corruption may be deeply embedded in Nigerian society, but it is not an insurmountable problem. By strengthening institutions, fostering political will, engaging civil society, and leveraging technology, Nigeria can begin to dismantle the structures that enable corruption to thrive.