By
Omowaye Oluwakemi E. H22/Mc/0076
The Polytechnic Ile-Ife, Osun State
In a significant turn of events, a recently published global report by the Open Society Foundations has thrust Nigeria’s persistent battle against corruption into the spotlight.
Released in January 2024, the report delves into the intricate relationship between democracy and corruption, suggesting that corruption poses one of the most formidable challenges to Nigeria’s progress.
Open Society Foundations shed light on the failings of democracy in Nigeria, attributing them to the deep-seated issue of corruption, echoing a sentiment shared globally.
This perspective aligns with the findings of a survey conducted across 30 countries, encompassing diverse regions and a population of 5.5 billion people, by the Open Society Foundations. The report concludes that corruption is not only undermining democracy in Nigeria but is a pervasive issue in several countries worldwide.
The impact of corruption manifests across various facets of national life, notably in elections, the judiciary, government agencies, procurement, payroll, and extortion by security agents. Many stakeholders view corruption as the primary obstacle preventing Nigeria from realizing its full potential.
The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, which took office in 2015, initiated anti-corruption measures, notably prosecuting public officials for the misappropriation of funds intended for combating the Boko Haram insurgency. Buhari emphasized the critical need to combat corruption, stating, “If we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria.”
However, critiques have emerged, questioning the government’s effectiveness, selectivity, and overall credibility in addressing corruption. A key metric, the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index for Nigeria spanning 2014-2023, reveals a concerning average score of 27 out of 100, positioning Nigeria as the 145th most corrupt out of 180 countries.
This underscores the urgency of addressing corruption, as highlighted by the Center for International Private Enterprise, which argues that the government’s approach is “selective, ineffective, and lacks credibility.” PwC warns of potential severe economic consequences, estimating that corruption could cost Nigeria up to 37% of GDP by 2030 if not urgently addressed.
The issue of corruption is not new to Nigeria’s political landscape. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during the Fourth Republic, established agencies to combat corruption, but subsequent administrations faced challenges, contributing to a loss of momentum. Buhari’s tenure, despite an initial anti-corruption image, saw setbacks, including a delay in appointing a substantive EFCC chairman, allowing corruption to escalate.
Additionally, the perceptions of key figures involved in combating corruption add nuance to the narrative. Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has expressed confidence that there will be no hiding place for the corrupt in Nigeria. This assurance is grounded in the political will of President Bola Tinubu to confront economic and financial crimes.
Furthermore, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Commission (ICPC), Bolaji Owasanoye, views corruption as a dream killer that must be combated vigorously by the youth. Owasanoye emphasizes the importance of creating an enabling environment, physically and intellectually, for both the older generation and the youth to work together towards eradicating corruption within the last decade.
Abubakar Umar, a former military governor, went on record, declaring that Buhari presided over the most corrupt administration in the country’s history.
Despite some successes, such as recovering funds through stopping ‘ghost workers’ and implementing the Treasury Single Account, the government’s actions, including pardoning convicted individuals, have raised concerns about the sincerity of the anti-corruption crusade.
As the nation grapples with this pervasive challenge, a crucial figure in the political
landscape, President Bola Tinubu, has yet to articulate a definitive plan. Despite ordering a probe of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tinubu faces the daunting task of developing and implementing a pragmatic strategy to combat corruption, avoiding any perception of vendetta.
The effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC is under scrutiny, while parliamentary corruption inquests, despite being frequent, often lead to inconclusive results.
The international community is not oblivious to Nigeria’s struggle against corruption. The United States-based Center for International Private Enterprise, PwC, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime have all weighed in, emphasizing the severe economic, social, and stability implications of corruption in the country.
As Nigeria grapples with this deep-seated challenge, a holistic and collaborative approach involving policymakers, citizens, and international cooperation is imperative to pave the way for a brighter and less corrupt future.
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