Topic: State Of Corruption In Nigeria Amidst World Corruption (Read 356 times)

Corruption is the root cause of the downfall or total collapse of a country, most recently the default of Sri Lanka, whose main cause is also the insatiable corruption of the government.
Corruption is not only happening in Nigeria, it is happening in poor and developing countries, it is due to government greed that has not been able to lift the country out of poverty.
It must be affirmed that corruption is present in every corner of the world, in every corner of every field and cannot be completely eliminated.

Every time I read or hear about the corruption in Nigeria, it hurts like a knife has been thrust through my heart. However, what can one of us individually do? One person cannot end corruption among people, it must begin with each individual. You can only do the best you can. Everyone must consider not participating in any of them if corruption in Nigeria must end, but the real question is: "Are we willing to stay away from corruption?" I know we have bad leaders and they are the ones who are the problem of the nations that can't just stop looting treasury accounts and resources but if it must end, then everyone must be ready to stop it too.

Someone once said that everyone has benefited from corruption, either directly or indirectly, such as paying money to have admission when your parent could pass through the normal channel, paying the bank manager extra money to have your local currency converted to foreign currency just to be faster than others, and so on. These things are done for you by our parents and you benefit from it, which makes you involved in corruption as well.

Also these things take time because it's not at all easy to change the mentality of people especially when they are not that educated. So first you will need to change the mentality of people by investing in education and only after that will you see the state of the country changing. But yes until there are more Powerful countries in the world they will always try to supress you but you have to be strong enough inside to maintain your unity and grow as a country.

It's unbelievable that the same house has stood in the same place for more than 60 years and that it has practically not changed, and that the view of that street looks better in the past than it does today (at least there were trees and greenery before). It is obvious that in many African countries corruption still plays a big role in the formation of society, but it is not much better in the rest of the world either, where corruption is only much better concealed and masked.

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A few days ago, a massive theft was discovered in my country in the oil/gas company (INA), which is majority owned by the Hungarian MOL, and the damage that was done was more than HRK 1 billion, which is more than EUR 130 million (so far). Behind everything are people connected to the very top of politics and the prime minister himself, and while they are being taken into custody, they are laughing because they know that they will soon be free. By the way, the prime minister who sold the company to the Hungarians is in prison for that and some other things.

https://hungary.postsen.com/trends/53694/The-INA-case-is-being-referred-to-as-the-biggest-theft-in-Croatia%E2%80%99s-history-Mol-is-also-being-sought.html

Corruption has eaten so deep into Nigeria's system of government. Corruption is far from over, it is not stopping in this generation because every Nigerian thinks and believes in corruption. Almost all of us have somehow benefited from it, in one way or the other. Either been involved in politics, education, housing or business. I have fallen guilty of it, so as you. No one is an exception in "corruption''. The system is so bad to be less corrupt in it.

It hurts when people celebrate cheating as success.

The op listed some of the causes of corruption and mentioned greed. I think greed is inherent in every man but what makes the difference is how we tame it. If we look at the history of Nigeria, we'd notice that even the British who colonized them where a greedy lot. Only that they used the guise of bringing education, Christianity and the lot into Nigeria to extract the abundant mineral resources the country possessed.
 
 Frankly, I think it's citizens are content with the way things are else something drastic would have been done. There's this popular saying "if you want change, be it".
 Another thing we should understand is that it hampers growth and development. Because you rarely get investors who would be willing to come to a place where corruption and insecurity is high.

I completely agree with these outlined points as major causes of corruption, and any nation that practices such acts will never be a corruption-free nation. Nigeria is a country endowed with natural resources, but the government is self-centered and prioritizes itself over others; almost all of the leaders exhibit the aforementioned characteristics, which will never propel the country forward. To become a corruption-free country, Nigeria must change many things, the most important of which is to change its leadership.

It's obvious that corruption is everywhere in the world, maybe more than others in other nations, but think about USA and how the corruption works. We all know they have politicians that "legally" gets bribes, it is called donations and companies pay millions of dollars to senators every year just as "donations" but in reality those are bribes, that name change doesn't mean anything.

Then we have black people jailed way more than any other race, then we have "secret" government police keep on attacking those black people as well, and we have rich friends of senators getting tax breaks and I can name a million other things. All in the USA, let alone smaller nations, which has a lot more corruption.

Corruption is a common problem in modern society. In Nigeria, corruption has reached historic levels. Now it is necessary to tackle this problem before the problem gets out of hand and the country faces a massive economic collapse. The Nigerian government must take all necessary steps to prevent corruption from occurring or being carried out within its borders.

The basic question Has Nigeria taken the necessary steps to eradicate corruption from the country?

What it means is that the Government must act now to fix this problem or the consequences will destroy the political stability and development of the country in general. Moreover, the government should make the eradication of corruption a must in its term of office, thereby ensuring that bureaucracy and red tape are removed from the administrative structure of Nigeria. This will make it easier for foreign investors to contribute to the future improvement of Nigeria.

Yeah surely and I think Nigeria will not be an exception to the challenges of development. America I read was part of such before and after their independence but today the two major poles in America are united and facing one goal of better living on earth that guarantees freedom. African problem and indeed the challenge of development is leadership. If the head is bad certainly it will affect the other parts of the body. This is the Nigerian challenge likewise. No need to start listing the issues but the issues are majorly caused by those that controls power and authority that are suppose to be used in control of the people rightly to make laws and allow the rule of law and supremacy of the constitution to prevail without favour. If for example the presidency grants pardon to two past governors convicted for syphoning billions of state money after using tax payers money to prosecute the case, and yet pardoning them to be released that is shenanigans in power. Until the right leaders are in power then the people won't be led properly to respect and live rightly.

The people still manage to survive through hardship and laborious work. Despite everything that is going on, the people of this nation remain steadfast and optimistic that a positive change will soon occur. Nigerians are so intelligent that they take advantage of every possibility to survive the conditions in their country. With more than half of the population of the teenagers from 18 and above having the drive to succeed, they are still surviving the difficult existence there. The youth's sense of logic for moving on to greener pastures is unaffected by the level of corruption in the country. I believe that if you have managed to live in Nigeria throughout your youthful age, there is no reason why you cannot succeed in this world and adopt their way of life.

Who keeps the old people in the office? the youths are the ones that are not serious about taking power. Power cannot be given, it should be taken and the youths have the numbers only if they have the will. When the campaign begins, how many old people are out there doing the campaign if not the youths as long as they collect some small money? You would expect the so-called influential youths to build theirs from scratch and take control if they really want to but you would notice they keep sucking to these old corrupt folks.
During the past ENDSARS movement, the youths came together but we all know what people like Desmond Elliot said about them and forget that he is in that class too.
Even now, Why is Bank W and Funke Akindele shacking up with the old Corrupt people's party? why can't they just form their own alliance and take these old folks out of office?
The corruption has eaten deep into the system whether old or young and it is going to take a miracle for this to be turned, as you have mentioned, I do believe Peter Obi will be able to come through for the Country but that is IF he eventually wins cos youths in some part of the country still don't know how to separate facts from tribal sentiment.

From the picture you have included, it is sufficient to illustrate how corruption really hinders development there, how for decades there has been no change in infrastructure.
Corruption will be difficult to eradicate even if a country starts to create anti-corruption institutions but habits and mindsets about corruption are difficult to change, even though corrupt officials can be arrested but if the system that has been running for decades is not changed corruption will still be considered normal because the system makes officials still have opportunities for corruption and their minds teach that corruption is normal, this is occuring in poor and developing countries.

The government are not leading from the front, so you will find that the corruption will filter through to the general public too. The “Nigerian prince” scam, also known as the “419” scam has gone viral all over the world, but it started in Nigeria. 

I have worked on contract in Nigeria (Lagos / Ibadan / Benin City) and bribery was part of the challenges that we had to face, when we worked there. This made us part of the problem, because we gave in to the request for money to get things done. (time is money, when you deal with African time) 

I see lots of suggestions here about a total overhaul of the government to eradicate this corruption. But should I tell you that there are more people outside the political hierarchy that are more corrupt than the politicians and are only waiting for an opportunity to ponce. Talking of the youths, for Nigeria I feel the youths this days pay key roles in the government been corrupt. A common Student Union Government of an Higher institution is wanted for embezzling millions and this isnt even a single senerio there are many of them. The solution to change after voting out the government is to be contented with the little or strive more in decent jobs to get better. CHANGE BEGINS WITH YOU

When governments change we can experience the change in the country. Until then, it'll be the same as now. In my country we have corruption, and the major problem that keeps the layman suffer is the government's support to the corporate and taxing the low level of people with all heavy burdens.

Nowadays media is another corrupt thing, because they never make any statements against the government. Only through media proper awareness about a country's situation can be made to be realised by the last citizen.

It means that the leader in your country (Nigeria) really likes nepotism that can only benefit his own family without caring about the suffering of his citizens.
It's really very sad because a big country that should be developed looks like a poor country that doesn't have the money to build proper buildings, infrastructure and also other needed things. So how can you survive there if your country's conditions are still the same as in the 60's?

Nigeria is my great country. As much as I can boldly and proudly say I'm a Nigerian wherever fate takes me, I certainly don't like the current situation of the state. A country so enriched with so many opportunities and growth but governed by bad leaders. It's just so saddening that the country is still under the same families since the '60s. I mean check the lineage of all their past presidents and you'll understand crystals what I'm talking about.

They have a good resources but don’t know how maximize and utilize it, probably their government didn’t want to in the first place. Imagine, it’s been decades now and they are still on a bad situation why some African countries already shows some growth and they are doing good right now. Nigerian people should not stop from forcing their government to have a better system, corruption is really bad and they must stop that if they want to be on a better situation in the next decade, its not too late for them but too bad for this generation.

Nigeria could've recorded good growth in its economy with all its available resources. But, the reality is different. The government is highly corrupt and the same makes the country go downwards in its economy. There is big difference between the rich and the poor, and with time violence is increasing. Unemployment keeps increasing with time. The same lands them to create scam things and make money. For now if the political scenario Change to a clean situation then big growth happens.

I wish it were as simple as you have mentioned, but the leaders are not willing to give the youth a fair chance to rule, they don't want to live the space for the youth, and they are old and not fit enough to eradicate the corruption foundation they have established, but even as this thing has become ugly, they refuse to let the youth rule the country. Peter Obi is planning to run for president next year, I hope he succeeds, but I doubt it since those old folks are soiled with politics.

Corruption is a bit like a virus, it can spread throughout, be very hard to detect and even harder to eliminate. It takes radical overhauls to change and create more transparent systems, but you will also be fighting against the ingrained interests who have a lot of money and power to try to prevent any changes to systems that benefit them. Politicians are also sadly playing the short game, where they can often only think four or five years ahead, while the systems you are trying to change have evolved over generations. When there is a lot of poverty, as you state, then democracy can be bought for very cheap and this undermines the whole system - it's definitely a catch-22 system.

Large natural resources, large territory, convenient geographical location, convenient logistical location, and much more - all this is crossed out by corruption and crime. I am not telling this from stories from books or newspapers. I myself live in a country that until 2013 was simply destroyed by corruption. Corruption has become power. The courts, the prosecutor's office, the police, law enforcement agencies and ministries, right up to the parliament and the president - everything has grown through and through with corruption. Only a global change of power, legislative, executive power, bringing corrupt officials of any size to justice will give a result. It is difficult for me now to cite my own country as an example of the fight against corruption, the process that had begun was interrupted by a terrorist attack by a neighboring country. By the way, that neighboring country is scared to death of the fight against corruption and totalitarian power, this is one of the reasons why she wants to destroy my country - so that there is no example of how to effectively deal with totalitarian thieves' governments! By the way, this country has the largest reserves of natural resources, a huge territory, and half of the population, according to official figures, lives in total poverty ...
Study the example of Singapore - a perfect example of how one of the most totally corrupt countries has become the central economy of Southeast Asia! And be sure to visit Singapore - you will see how amazing achievements can be achieved without resources and vast territories!

I think there is such a stage of corruption and moral misconduct in every developing economy. When the country was once very poor and suddenly sees some development which means some money in the economy, this money and power generallly corrupts all the officials and after a couple of decades of all this generations are educated on this issue, there are anti corruption campaign and eventually things begin to become better, same thing will surely happen in Nigeria as well.

Corrupt officials will always exist and have been existing in most countries nowadays resulting in poverty and other issues. The root of corruption is greed for position and money. These corrupt politicians want positions not because they are concerned with their citizens but rather want to take power and wealth. As for me, doing a revolution is the only thing left to kick corrupt politicians out though ordinary people will suffer again. They really need to stand up for their rights or else they will suffer worse in the future.

The corruption is the global issue and it is hard to find the real leader among us..
After Srilanka now we are having news on Nigeria and more coming up for sure. In our country too there many corrupts official at higher position

And the major cause of bad governance is the weakness of the law. The law is so weak to protect the citizens and prosecute corruption. So those who are suppose to change the law are the beneficiary of the weakness. To change the law is to deprive them. The only advantage that the southern Nigerians have is the education and it is what make the corrupt politician struggle and they are planning to take it away absolutely to enslave the citizen and deprive them of their entitlements in the future. The future of the country should be their fight now

Having to know what Corruption in Nigeria is first hand, I have few contributions to Add, Nigeria is a country in west Africa that's sitting on vast natural resources that if placed in the hand of the right people can make Nigeria to become a force the world would reckon with.
Also Nigeria is highly regarded as one of the most populated nation and hold the rank as the most populous afro-originated nation of the world so in the department of Human Resources Nigeria isn't lacking at all.

Nigeria has been through different phases after gaining independence from the British, some of this phases includes the military regime and then the democratic regime but ever since the nation has been plagued with corrupt leaders. I won't blame the leaders solely because Nigerian citizens has played a role in it. During election many are fond of selling their vote even for less than a dollar.

Nigeria as a nation can only be save during the elections, corruption is a sickness that starts when any individual sells their vote and nigeria as a nation would keep suffering in it until the right person is voted in based on their competence and capabilities.

Nigeria has been a victim of corruption for so long now,this is because 90% of Nigerians are corrupt. Corruption is been passed on from generation to generation and the truth about it is that nobody is will to change,as they take corruption to be smartness.
    For example a policeman will stop your and ask you about your car papers,if your papers are complete,he asks about your driver's license,when you provide it,he will ask you to on your car inner light to see if it is working. For crying out loud what is the policeman business with your inner light at day time. All he is looking for is a way to extort the car owner.
    Nigeria can stop or fight corruption by government orientating the citizens about the implications of corruption to the society and country at large,the reason of this is to change the citizens and the young ones mindscept towards corruption.
    Secondly,there should be no Godfatherism in politics,so that the right leaders who have the citizens in mind can win elections without the tribunal. Corruption is like HIV when not treated turns to AIDS after some years and gradually kills the whole body cells. Corruption brings a country economy down

Somehow, Nigeria and Nigerians are very loud people and on top of all that, we arent loud enough to change our Nation and I wonder why! Most things comes as a joke and yet, we are in the hit of it all. Governments and citizens alike. We ought to look at ourselves and right our wrongs while transferring that to the situations we experience in our society while we step out of our homes. The issues we have today started from one man and at some point, the change we now seek could as well start with one man and at some point.

It's time to choose yet another leader to lead the people to where God knows what end. It is my wish that Nigerians would take this exercise serious, have a little faith in the system and do what needs be done in ensuring coordination and zero malpractice at the pools. Let's begin to get it right.

To be candid, it had gone zigzag from the top to the bottom. The best way I could suggest to Nigerians to fight corruption is to start changing their leaders. I indeed mean the REVOLUTION. By doing this, the bottom shall put themselves in order.

 
The major cause of Nigeria corruption is bad governance. Our leaders has taught us to be corrupt. They made life unbearable for citizen thereby leaving citizen to no choice than to live a corrupt life. Imagine we are blessed with good petroleum (one of the best petroleum in the world i.e petroleum without sulphur) but we still buy our petrol at a high rate. We pay tax but this doesn't have any effect on the infrastructure of the country. Nigeria corruption isn't in a single sector, it all round. In politics, in finance, justice and many more. And our leaders is the architecture of this.

Nigeria is located in the western part of Africa with a population of more than 216 million in August 2022. Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa and is frequently referred to as the "giant of Africa" with abundant mineral riches. In the middle of all of this, Nigeria has been called one of the most corrupt nations in Africa.

Corruption has to do with the misuse of public funds or fraudulent behavior by individuals in positions of authority. After a BBC Africa Eye investigation, the pension board in Cross River state, in the country's south-south area, was publicly uncovered in early 2022. In order to transfer funds to themselves and support their luxurious lifestyles, the authorities withheld retired workers' pensions and declared them deceased. Even after spending many years in retirement, those who can access their money still need to pay bribes to do so. The majority of these retirees are aged and have been borrowing money for survival. Many of them are even unable to pay for adequate healthcare for themselves. These does not only happen in Cross River state but it has become a tradition in all part of Nigeria.

Nigeria has frequently been listed as one of the most corrupt nations in the world. According to statistics, Nigeria commits 117 million bribes annually, or 1.1 bribes for every adult. Despite having a skilled labor population and a wealth of mineral resources, Nigeria's economic development is unfortunately being threatened by corruption. Most young people want to leave the country in pursuit of a place with greener pastures and independence from the government.

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Onitsha, Anambra State

The image above speaks much about the decades-long poor infrastructural development in Nigeria. Onitsha is a city in southeastern state-Anambra State, Nigeria. Due to the country's low economic growth, which is a result of corruption, this road has only become worse and hasn't changed. In many parts of the nation, little has changed in recent years.

Major Causes of Corruption In Nigeria:
1. Greed
2. Poverty
3. Acceptance of corruption by the populace
4. Weak government institutions
5. Poor Education, illiteracy.
6. Ostentatious lifestyle
7. Customs
8. Lack of freedom of press
9. Lack of selflessness and patriotism
10. Another causes of corruption in Nigeria is tribalism etc.




Nigeria perception index according to CPI
Source: (https://www.transparency.org)

The corruption perception index for Nigeria is shown in the photos above. Nigeria has consistently ranked 20–30 on the list of the world's most corrupt countries.

Not only Nigeria is affected by corruption but other countries beyond African continent are also facing corruption. Top most corrupt countries in the world according to Corruption Perception Index (CPI):

1. Somalia

2. South Sudan

3. Syria

4. Yemen

5. Venezuela

6. Afghanistan

7. Equatorial Guinea

8. Libya

9. North Korea

10. The Democratic Republic of Congo


The image above illustrates the world perception index in 2021 (https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2021)

The countries most impacted by this corruption epidemic are those in Africa. In conclusion, it can be said that corruption is an international problem that requires a team effort to solve. It is necessary to regulate corruption for economic sustainability because its effects have been so catastrophic in many regions of the world. Strong anti-corruption organizations and a real commitment to transparency in both the public and commercial sectors are required to combat corruption worldwide.