Nigerian politics and corruption

Nigerian politics and corruption are deeply intertwined, with corruption being a major obstacle to the country's development and political stability. Corruption in Nigeria manifests in various forms, including bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and patronage, which undermine the legitimacy and effectiveness of governance systems ¹.

*The Impact of Corruption*

- Erodes public trust in institutions: Corruption has led to widespread disillusionment and disenchantment with the political process, fueling social unrest and conflict.

- Distorts decision-making processes: Corruption compromises the integrity of government institutions, allowing individuals to prioritize personal gain over public interest.

- Undermines economic development: Corruption discourages foreign investment, hinders economic growth, and exacerbates poverty and inequality ¹ ².

*Recent Examples and Efforts to Combat Corruption*

- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been actively involved in preventing vote buying and other forms of corruption during elections, including the 2023 general elections.

- Despite these efforts, corruption remains a significant challenge, with many Nigerians expressing distrust in the government's ability to tackle the issue.

- The EFCC has investigated and prevented monetary malpractices, including recovering assets such as cash, clothing, and food items at polling units ³.

*Challenges and Recommendations*

- Strengthening institutional capacity: Implementing comprehensive reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity in government institutions.

- Promoting ethical leadership: Fostering a culture of integrity and ethical governance, and holding public officials accountable for their actions.

- Enhancing civic engagement: Encouraging citizen participation in anti-corruption efforts and promoting transparency and accountability in governance ¹.

*Corruption Perceptions Index*

- Nigeria scored 26 out of 100 on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index in 2024, ranking 140th out of 180 countries.

- This ranking highlights the need for sustained efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance in Nigeria ⁴.