ABSTRACT
Corruption is the dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. It is the illegitimate use of power to benefit a private interest[1]. It involves embezzlement of public funds for personal use, and any act that is considered to be criminal in nature according to the law of a particular society[2].
The term “corruption” is a household name and the perceived biggest challenge in Nigeria. It is found in every sector of the society. A critical analysis of both small and large sectors will reveal corrupt practices at every level.
Corruption is a potential cancer that has mercilessly eaten Nigeria to a state of stupor[3]. The truth that it hinders development is not a bone of contention.
This study finds that corruption scandals are a prominent source of media and interest and the illicit behaviours of politicians and public officials are frequently published in the newspaper.
The objectives of the study are to critically analyze the challenges of combating same in Nigeria. Furthermore, the issue of political corruption has been a constant reoccurrence in the country, Africa’s most populous nation immensely gifted with natural and human resources but wasted and leading to the state of underdevelopment due to selfish interest of national leaders.
STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM
The high rate of corruption is so cancerous that it affects almost every Nigerian, including those who travel to other countries in search of greener pastures. Foreigners have the perception that since Nigeria is corrupt, then all Nigerians are corrupt too.
To combat this issue of corruption, different laws have been put in place, unfortunately, as many as the laws are, so too is how fast the country keeps sinking deep into corruption. The challenges of combating corruption in Nigeria are due to several factors which this research work will determine and analyze the prospects of combating same in the country.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH
The aim of this research is to give a critical analysis of the challenges and prospects of combating corruption in Nigeria. The objectives of the research are:
i. To give a wide understanding of the concept of corruption.
ii. To analyze the various regulatory laws both local and international dealing with corruption.
iii. To examine the challenges of enforcing the laws dealing with corruption.
iv. To recommend ways and prospects of combating corruption.
METHODOLOGY
The Methodology for this study will be based on tools already put in place; purely normative. The sources of this study would be primary sources as legislations, law reports and secondary sources which include articles, textbooks and interviews.
EXPECTED FINDINGS
The expected findings to this work are as follows:
i. That the corruption is not alien to the Nigerian environment.
ii. That there have been challenges facing the enforcement.
iii. That officials at the helms of affairs the primary cause of corruption.
iv. That corruption can be curbed.
CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE
The study will contribute immensely to knowledge in the following ways
i. That corruption has placed Nigeria on a bad light in the world view.
ii. That there is no uniform definition of corruption and in fact, no law in Nigeria attempts a definition of the word.
iii. That with a collective efforts by all, corruption can be curbed to the bearest minimum.
[1] Morris S.D(1991) Corruption and Politics in Contemporary Mexico, University of Alabama Press,Tuscaloosa
[2] Kwuagbala Uzochukwu Mike:Corruption in Nigeria. Review, Causes, Effects and Solutions
[3]Professor Peter Nwangwu:Corruption , The Greatest Ethical Challenge –Global Ethics Network
