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CORRUPTION AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF ENDEMIC THREATS TO NIGERIAN STATE

CORRUPTION AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF ENDEMIC THREATS TO NIGERIAN STATE

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CORRUPTION AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF ENDEMIC THREATS TO NIGERIAN STATE

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

  • Background to the Study

Corruption and insecurity have been identified as two major endemic threats to the Nigerian state. According to Akinlabi (2018), corruption in Nigeria is a systemic issue that permeates all levels of government and society. This pervasive corruption has been linked to the country’s high levels of insecurity, as it undermines the effectiveness of security forces and fosters a culture of impunity. Similarly, Adebayo and Oluwaseun (2020) argue that corruption erodes public trust in government institutions, which in turn fuels insecurity.

Insecurity in Nigeria is multifaceted, encompassing issues such as terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery. A study by Ojukwu and Shopeju (2010) found a strong correlation between corruption and the rise of these forms of insecurity. They argue that corruption within security agencies and the judiciary system has allowed these criminal activities to thrive. Furthermore, the study by Akinlabi (2018) suggests that corruption has also contributed to the rise of Boko Haram, a terrorist group that has caused significant insecurity in Nigeria.

The economic implications of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria are significant. According to the World Bank (2019), corruption costs Nigeria approximately $37 billion annually, equivalent to about 12.5% of its GDP. This economic drain exacerbates poverty and inequality, which in turn can fuel further insecurity. Similarly, insecurity disrupts economic activities and discourages foreign investment, further hindering Nigeria’s economic development (Adebayo & Oluwaseun, 2020).

The political implications of corruption and insecurity are equally profound. According to Akinlabi (2018), corruption undermines democratic processes and institutions, leading to political instability. Insecurity, on the other hand, threatens the state’s monopoly on the use of force, a key characteristic of a functioning state. This has led some scholars, such as Ojukwu and Shopeju (2010), to question the viability of the Nigerian state in its current form.

Despite these challenges, there are potential solutions to corruption and insecurity in Nigeria. Adebayo and Oluwaseun (2020) suggest that strengthening institutions, improving transparency, and promoting accountability could help reduce corruption. Similarly, addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and inequality, could help improve security. However, these solutions require political will and commitment, which have often been lacking in Nigeria.

Corruption and insecurity are endemic threats to the Nigerian state, with significant economic, political, and social implications. While there are potential solutions to these issues, their implementation requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay between corruption and insecurity, and to develop effective strategies to address these challenges.

  • Statement of the Problem

The first problem is the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranks 149 out of 180 countries in 2020, indicating a high level of corruption (Transparency International, 2020). This corruption permeates all levels of government and society, from petty bribery to grand corruption involving significant sums of money. This endemic corruption undermines the effectiveness of government institutions, erodes public trust, and hampers economic development (Smith, 2007).

Secondly, insecurity is a significant issue in Nigeria. The country has been grappling with various forms of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. The Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and the herder-farmer conflicts in the Middle Belt are particularly concerning. These conflicts have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people (International Crisis Group, 2020).

The third problem is the interplay between corruption and insecurity. Corruption fuels insecurity by weakening the state’s capacity to provide security and by creating grievances that can lead to violence. For instance, corruption in the security sector undermines the effectiveness of the military and police in combating insecurity (Akinola, 2018). On the other hand, insecurity can also facilitate corruption, as it creates opportunities for corrupt practices such as embezzlement of security funds.

Fourthly, the impacts of corruption and insecurity on the Nigerian state are profound. They undermine the state’s capacity to deliver public goods and services, erode public trust in government, and hinder economic development. According to the World Bank (2019), corruption and insecurity are among the main obstacles to achieving sustainable development in Nigeria.

Fifthly, despite numerous efforts to combat corruption and insecurity, these problems persist. This persistence suggests that the measures taken so far have not been effective. There is a need for more research to understand the root causes of these problems and to develop more effective strategies for addressing them (Ogbeidi, 2012).

Finally, the problem is further complicated by the lack of reliable data on corruption and insecurity in Nigeria. This lack of data hampers efforts to understand the scale and dynamics of these problems and to evaluate the effectiveness of measures taken to address them (National Bureau of Statistics, 2019).

 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine corruption and insecurity in Nigeria: A study of endemic threats to Nigerian State. The specific objectives are stated below:

  1. To examine the impact of corruption on Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
  2. To investigate the relationship between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.
  3. To identify the root causes of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria and how they have become endemic threats to the Nigerian state.
  4. To evaluate the effectiveness of current policies and measures in place to combat corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.

 Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

  1. What is the impact of corruption in Nigeria on Nigeria’s socio-economic development?
  2. Is there a significant relationship between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria?
  3. What are the root causes of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria and how have they become endemic threats to the Nigerian state?
  4. How effective are the current policies and measures in place to combat corruption and insecurity in Nigeria?

 Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is stated below:

HO:  Corruption has no Significant impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic development

H1:  Corruption has Significant impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Significance of the Study

The significance of studying corruption and insecurity in Nigeria cannot be overstated, given the endemic threats these issues pose to the Nigerian state. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, has been grappling with these twin challenges for decades. The study of these issues is crucial in understanding the dynamics that have hindered the country’s development and stability. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the root causes, manifestations, and implications of corruption and insecurity, thereby offering a basis for formulating effective strategies to address these problems.

Corruption in Nigeria is a pervasive phenomenon that permeates all levels of society. It undermines the country’s economic growth, exacerbates poverty, and erodes public trust in government institutions. By studying corruption, we can gain insights into the systemic weaknesses that facilitate its prevalence, such as weak institutions, lack of transparency, and inadequate enforcement of anti-corruption laws. This knowledge is instrumental in designing interventions that can strengthen institutional capacity, enhance transparency, and improve the enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

Insecurity, on the other hand, poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s stability and development. The country has been plagued by various forms of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. Studying insecurity in Nigeria provides a deeper understanding of the factors driving these security challenges, such as socio-economic inequality, political instability, and weak security institutions. This understanding is crucial in developing comprehensive and sustainable solutions to enhance the country’s security.

Moreover, the study of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria is significant in the context of the country’s democratic governance. These issues undermine democratic principles and processes, impede the delivery of public services, and infringe on citizens’ rights and freedoms. By examining these issues, we can identify ways to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic governance, enhance the delivery of public services, and protect citizens’ rights and freedoms.

Furthermore, the study of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria has implications beyond the country’s borders. Given Nigeria’s strategic importance in Africa, these issues can affect regional stability and development. Therefore, understanding these issues can contribute to regional efforts to promote good governance, peace, and security in Africa.

The study of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria is of paramount importance. It provides a comprehensive understanding of these endemic threats to the Nigerian state, thereby offering a basis for formulating effective strategies to address them. This study is not only significant for Nigeria but also for Africa and the global community, as it contributes to the broader efforts to promote good governance, peace, and security.

  • Scope of the Study

The study examines Corruption and insecurity in Nigeria: A study of endemic threats to Nigerian State. The study is restricted to Lagos State.

  • Operational Definition of Terms

Corruption: This is a form of dishonest or unethical conduct by a person entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire personal benefit. Corruption can include many activities including bribery and embezzlement. In the context of Nigeria, corruption often refers to the misuse of public power and resources for private gain.

 Insecurity: This term generally refers to a state of being open to danger or threat; lack of protection. In a societal context, it can refer to a lack of safety or stability that results from societal or environmental factors such as crime or natural disasters. In Nigeria, insecurity often refers to the instability and violence caused by various insurgent groups.

 Endemic: This term is often used in the field of epidemiology, where it refers to a disease or condition found regularly among particular people or in a certain area. In a broader context, it can refer to a problem or threat that is constantly present in a particular environment. In the context of your study, it suggests that corruption and insecurity are persistent, widespread issues in Nigeria.

 Threat: A threat is a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done. In a broader context, it can refer to a person or thing likely to cause damage or danger. In the context of Nigeria, threats could refer to the potential negative outcomes of corruption and insecurity, such as social unrest, economic instability, and loss of life.

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CORRUPTION AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF ENDEMIC THREATS TO NIGERIAN STATE

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