1.1 Introduction
Corruption is a universal social ill that undermines development, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust in governance systems. Transparency International (2023) defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. in the context of public administration, corruption refers to unethical and illegal behaviors by government officials in the discharge of their duties, often at the expense of societal welfare (Afolabi, 2021). In Nigeria, corruption has remained one of the most critical challenges to good governance, accountability, and socio-economic development. The Nigerian public sector, which is expected to be the engine of development through service delivery, policy implementation, and resource management, has been repeatedly undermined by corrupt practices (Ogunyemi & Lawal, 2022).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of the Study
Historically, corruption in Nigeria’s public sector dates back to the colonial era when governance structures were centralized around resource extraction and authoritarian administration. According to Falola and Heaton (2008), the colonial government laid the foundation for corrupt practices by prioritizing the interests of the colonial state over the welfare of the indigenous population (Falola and Heaton, 2008). Corruption has become a global phenomenon with devastating consequences on political stability, economic development, and social justice. Transparency International (2023) asserted that corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, and it manifests in various forms such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and diversion of public resources. in the context of developing countries, the public sector is often the most affected because it controls access to resources and opportunities for development.
In Nigeria, corruption has been identified as one of the greatest impediments to national progress. According to Achebe (1988), corruption in Nigeria has become a way of life that permeates every level of governance and societal interaction. Nwankwo (2020) reported that public institutions in Nigeria are characterized by mismanagement of funds, contract inflation, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and unethical practices that hinder service delivery. Similarly, Akinyemi (2019) contended that Nigeria’s public sector, which is meant to serve as the foundation for economic transformation, has instead been weakened by pervasive corrupt practices.
The prevalence of corruption in Nigeria’s public sector is deeply rooted in historical, political, and socio-economic dynamics. Okonjo-Iweala (2018) stated that despite the establishment of anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), enforcement mechanisms have remained weak due to political interference and lack of institutional independence. Similarly, Adeyemi and Fagbemi (2021) affirmed that successive administrations in Nigeria have launched anti-corruption campaigns, but most of these efforts were selective and politically motivated, making them ineffective in addressing the systemic nature of corruption.
Empirical evidence shows that corruption in Nigeria has severe implications for national development. Uzochukwu (2022) reported that misappropriation of public funds leads to poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare systems, declining educational standards, and widespread poverty. Ojo and Olaniyan (2020) asserted that corruption in the public sector also discourages foreign investment and fosters capital flight, further exacerbating economic instability. Furthermore, the World Bank (2021) contended that corruption in Nigeria undermines public trust in institutions, erodes accountability, and perpetuates inequality, thereby weakening democratic governance.
The persistence of corruption has made Nigeria rank consistently low in global corruption perception indexes. According to Transparency International (2023), Nigeria ranked 150 out of 180 countries, reflecting the deep-rooted challenges in governance and accountability. This study is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s struggle to combat corruption, strengthen governance structures, and achieve sustainable development amidst widespread public sector malpractices.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the public sector, which is supposed to drive national development through policy implementation, efficient resource allocation, and delivery of essential services, is heavily undermined by corrupt practices. Uzochukwu (2022) stated that public funds meant for infrastructure, health, and education are often diverted for personal use, leaving citizens deprived of basic amenities. This results in failing hospitals, underfunded schools, poor roads, and inadequate utilities, further worsening poverty and inequality.
On the other hand, those who benefit from corruption defend the system as an avenue for patronage, political loyalty, and survival in a weak institutional framework, making it difficult to challenge entrenched interests. Corruption is weakening public trust in government institutions. Ojo and Olaniyan (2020) affirmed that widespread corruption in the public sector is reducing citizens’ confidence in leadership, undermining democratic governance, and discouraging civic participation.
The World Bank (2021) contended that this erosion of trust is limiting Nigeria’s capacity to attract foreign investment, promote accountability, and achieve sustainable development. Furthermore, anti-corruption efforts such as the EFCC and ICPC have struggled with selective prosecutions, lack of political will, and judicial bottlenecks, making them appear ineffective in curbing the menace (Okonjo-Iweala, 2018). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the effect of corruption in the Nigerian public sector, its implications for governance and development, and the need for practical reforms that will strengthen institutions and restore public confidence.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of corruption in the Nigerian public sector and its implications for governance, accountability, and sustainable development. The specific objectives of this study are:
- To examine the impact of corruption on public service delivery and socio-economic development.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies and policies in Nigeria.
- To assess the causes of corruption in the Nigerian public sector.
- To investigate the role of political interference in perpetuating corruption.
- To suggest possible strategies for reducing corruption and strengthening institutional capacity.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study will address the following research questions:
- What are the major causes of corruption in the Nigerian public sector?
- How does corruption affect public service delivery and socio-economic development in Nigeria?
- How effective are anti-corruption agencies and policies in addressing corruption?
- What role does political interference play in sustaining corruption in the public sector?
- What strategies could be adopted to reduce corruption and strengthen institutional frameworks?
1.6 Significance of the Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, this research will provide useful insights into the root causes and effects of corruption in the Nigerian public sector. The research study will also support advocacy efforts by providing evidence-based findings on the impact of corruption.
Furthermore, this study will serve as a reference point for policymakers in designing effective anti-corruption strategies. In addition, the study will benefit researchers and students by serving as a valuable material for academic purposes.
Lastly, the study will serve as a resource material for scholars and students pursuing research in governance, development, and public administration.
1.7 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: Corruption is not significantly caused by weak institutional structures in the Nigerian public sector.
- H02: Corruption positively affects public service delivery and socio-economic development in Nigeria.
- H03: Anti-corruption agencies and policies are effective in addressing corruption in Nigeria.
- H04: Political interference is a major factor in sustaining corruption in the Nigerian public sector.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is focused on the effect of corruption in the Nigerian public sector with particular reference to Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. The choice of this ministry is due to its strategic role in infrastructural development, where issues of inflated contracts, and poor project execution have been reported.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Corruption:
Corruption is the abuse of public office for private gain, often involving practices such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and misappropriation of resources (Transparency International, 2023). In this study, corruption refers specifically to unethical practices within Nigeria’s public sector.
Public Sector:
The public sector is the part of the economy controlled by government institutions that provide services, enforce regulations, and manage resources on behalf of citizens (Ogunyemi & Lawal, 2022).
Governance:
Governance is the process of decision-making and the implementation of decisions in the management of a country’s resources and affairs (World Bank, 2021).
Accountability:
Accountability is the obligation of public officials to explain and justify their actions, decisions, and use of resources to citizens and relevant authorities (Adeyemi & Fagbemi, 2021).
Anti-Corruption Agencies:
These are government institutions established to fight corruption by investigating, prosecuting, and preventing corrupt practices. Examples in Nigeria include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) (Okonjo-Iweala, 2018).
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