TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL AND THE CHALLENGES OF CORRUPT PRACTICES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the study

Nigeria is a nation bestowed with vast human and natural resources with oil exports accounting for about 95% of foreign-exchange income and some 80% of government income, with a population of about 158 million (Gbogbo, 2011). Despite its enormous array of resources, the Nigerian economy has witnessed a period of stagnant economic growth. This has been partly blamed on corruption and gross mismanagement of the country’s vast resources. Corruption has tremendously affected the lives and provoked animosity amongst Nigerians. It has eaten so deep into the fabrics of the Nigerian government, the public and private sectors, governmental and non-governmental organizations and has essentially become a way of life and an important source of accumulation of private property in Nigeria (Mustapha 2008). Corruption has greatly contributed to the backwardness and failure of good governance in Nigeria. The country has not been able to implement policies which promote good governance and facilitate the development and success of the democratic process due to the prevalent existence of both high (Political corruption) and low levels (Bureaucratic corruption). There is no doubt that this canker of development threatens the moral integrity of the nation and hampers development (Mustapha 2008). Over the years especially during the military regimes, little was done to fight this malaise. According to some analysts, even the anti-corruption efforts of governments such as MuhammaduBuhari/TundeIdiagbon and OlusegunObasanjo failed to produce desired results (Agbu, 2003). Some of these policies include: decree no. 5 of 1976 for the investigation of the assets of public officers and supported by the Code of Conduct Tribunals and the Code of Conduct Bureau as prescribed by the 1979 constitution, the Corrupt Practices Decree of 1975, the 1979-1983 Ethical Revolution of ShehuShagari, the crusade against indiscipline undertaken by the BuhariIdiagbon government, the Corrupt practices and Economic Crimes decree of 1990 and the establishment of a national committee for the fight against corruption and Economic crimes between 1985-1993 by the Babangida regime . However the fact that corruption is still prevalent in the Nigerian society depicts the failure of some of these anti-corruption policies (Agbu, 2003). The biggest challenge for this country is not just to punish those who are involved in these corrupt practices but the education of her populace on the dangers and measures to tackle corruption (Obayelu, 2007). This word “Corruption” has become a global phenomenon and no country is completely corrupt free. However, corruption is apparent in some countries than others because those countries with less corruption have learnt to manage corruption than others by putting the necessary checks and balances in place and curbing the opportunities of corruption while others have either not figured corruption out or lack the political will to do same. The use of public power and resources in a manner that advances individual, factional, ethnic, religious or other limited interests at the expense of more broad based social, national or global needs is corruption because power and public resources are appropriated towards private purposes and gains. Theft, bribery, extortion, patronage, nepotism, and other practices grouped together as corruption. Corruption is so widespread that each country has developed its own terminology to describe these practices; egunje or essu in Nigeria, mordida in Mexico, arreglo in Philippines, baksheesh in Egypt, dash in Kenya, pot-de-vin in France steepening in The Netherlands, tangente in Italy among others (allword.com). All these phrases or slangs as it were, are used to refer to bribe such as money or a favor, offered or given to a person in a position of trust to influence that person's views or conduct. Corruption is not a novel concern in the world today. Volumes of literature have already been written about this intriguing topic globally and tons of conferences have been and are still been organized to address this menace. It is an everyday occurrence in countries throughout the world, whether developed or under developed.

1.2. Statement of the problem

As we all know corruption is the greatest enemy to the development of any nation. Corruption has been a major issue in the African continent but is at its alarming rate in the West African sub region especially Nigeria. That Nigeria is not too developed today and has witnessed a lot of negative happenings can be majorly attributed to corruption. Transparency has been lacking in our operations as a nation and especially her leaders and this has led to severe and alarming under performance and corruption.

1.3. Objectives of the study

1. To examine the level of corrupt practices in Nigeria.
2. To examine the challenges of transparency in Nigeria
3. To know how corruption can be effectively fought.
4. To recommend ways of ensuring transparency in Nigeria.

1.4. Research questions

1. What is the level of corrupt practices in Nigeria?
2. What are the challenges of ensuring transparency in Nigeria?
3. How can corruption be effectively fought in Nigeria?

1.5   Research hypotheses

• : the level of transparency in Nigeria is low
• :  the level of transparency in Nigeria is high

1.6. Significance of the study

The outcome of this study would be immensely beneficial to the government in ensuring transparency in governance. This study would also be beneficial to scholars and researchers who are interested in the study of transparency and its challenges in Nigeria.

1.7   Scope/Limitations of the study

This study on immorality in churches will cover all forms of immoral activities that exist in churches today with a view of finding a lasting solution to the problem.

Limitations of study

1. Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
2. Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.8   Definition of terms

Transparency:

Lack of hidden agendas and conditions, acompanied by the availability offull information required for collaboration, cooperation, and collective decision making.

Corruption:Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

REFERENCES

Agbu, O. (2003) “Corruption and Human Trafficking: The Nigerian Case”, West Africa Review, 4(1).

Anuruo, E. &Braha, H. (2005) “Corruption and Economic Growth: The African Experience”, Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 43-55.

Ayua, I.A. (2001), Overview of Corruption in Nigeria. A Paper Presented at the National Conference on the Problems of Advanced Legal Studies. Held at the National Centre for Women Development, Abuja, 26 - 19th March.

Cleen Foundation. (2010) “Corruption and Governance Challenges in Nigeria”. Monograph Series number 7