BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION IMPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION IMPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Background Of The Study

The truism that bribery and corruption are the surest way to impede the development of any society does not need argument. Although it is considered by some that bribery and corruption might spur development (Otite, 2016). In spite of this assumption, there is widespread condemnation of bribery and corruption in all its manifestations, resulting in a global uproar and demand for its eradication. There may be enough evidence that bribery and corruption may promote development, but this cannot be asserted for all developing nation (Nigeria inclusive). Globally, compelling evidence demonstrates that bribery and corruption are antithetical to development (khan, 2012). In addition, data in Nigeria suggests that bribery and corruption are more detrimental than beneficial. This is apparent by the fact that Nigeria is categorized as one of the world's poorest nations despite its enormous natural resources. In addition, around 54 percent of the population earns less than $1 each day. Extreme paradoxes of widespread and chronic poverty and hunger in the midst of wealth are a sign of corruption entangled in worsening living conditions, it must be noted (Ali, 2008). Statistics also indicated that "Nigeria is one of the four biggest economies in Africa" with a real GDP of around 58.4 billion dollars and a population of over 140 million (Ibid).

Similarly, the vast capability for income production in the oil and non-oil industries stands in stark contrast to the deteriorating public infrastructures and level of institutional development. As Salawu (2007) correctly noted, corruption and bribery in Nigeria have made it hard for Nigerians to enjoy the benefits of democracy and the country's enormous natural resources. This scenario acknowledges that the current state of affairs in the nation is a result of systemic corruption that has permeated every aspect of Nigerian life. It goes without saying that bribery and corruption are a way of life in Nigeria and are accountable for the broken promises and shattered dreams that have defined the lives of the majority of Nigerians. People's assertions that Nigerians are corrupt are not unexpected. Making it obligatory to complain Moreover, Nigeria is a nation where bribery and corruption are rampant and where the pursuit of material wealth and political power have put religious morality to the background. This is due to the fact that, despite the fact that we pretend to be religious, our search for importance has rendered our self-proclaimed religiosity meaningless, and our elites and non-elites will stop at nothing to realize their own desires. It is considered that the aim justifies the means. In this regard, there is a growing awareness of the negative impacts of corruption on the nation's social, political, and economic structures. Despite the fact that no nation is completely devoid of bribery and corruption, the occurrences of bribery and corruption are on the rise, particularly in impoverished and undeveloped states. The Nigerian government's anti-corruption measures have been ineffectual, resulting in widespread instances of corruption, allegations, and counter-accusations. There were instances of bribery, missing funds, police pensions scam, missing oil revenue or non-remittance into the federation account, contract scam, oil theft, administrative inefficiency or dereliction of duty, illegal sale or allotment of government land and property, bribery, extortion, and other forms of corruption, as well as economic and financial crimes. As a result of the above, the purpose of this research is to investigate the consequences and obstacles of bribery and corruption on national development.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Bribery and corruption have already wreaked havoc on Nigeria, and the country's remaining strength is dwindling as they have eaten deeply into the nation's fabric and way of life. It is more widespread among the public sector. At the federal, state, and municipal levels, political officeholders participate in perplexing corruption.

Corruption is a sort of dishonesty or unethical behaviour by those in positions of trust (Wikipedia, 2017). It includes, but is not limited to, behaviors such as bribery, embezzlement, and the diversion of public money, products, and services for private interest. Corruption is complex and may occur on a local or big scale. The problem of bribery and corruption has been one of Nigeria's greatest obstacles since its independence. In reality, bribery and corruption are considered the bane of Nigeria's development, contributing to the country's perennial underdevelopment by squandering cash that might have been utilized to expedite its development (Onyemelukwe, 2004; Onosode, 1993). Bribery and corruption are so pervasive in Nigeria that they have hampered economic growth and development in every industry. Despite its abundant people and natural resources, Nigeria is now classified as one of the world's poorest countries (Nwaze, 2012). Given the different form of corruption in Nigeria, this research focuses on the consequences and problems of bribery and corruption on national development.

1.3 Objectives Of The Study

The general focus of this study is on bribery and corruption implications and challenges on National development. However, the specific objectives which falls inline with the overall aim of this research are outlined below;

1. Ascertain the prevalence of bribery and corruption in Nigeria.
2. Determine the extent to which bribery and corruption has affected the development of Nigeria economy.
3. Determine the extent to bribery and corruption contributes to Nigeria’s perpetual underdevelopment.
4. Determine whether bribery and corruption in Nigeria has contributed to the rate of unemployment in the country.
5. Determine whether bribery and corruption in Nigeria has resulted to disincentive of foreign direct investments.
6. Determine whether bribery and corruption contribute to the rate of youths’ restiveness and other societal crimes.

1.4 Research Question

The study will be guided by the questions below;

1. What is the prevalence of bribery and corruption in Nigeria?
2. To what extent has bribery and corruption affected the sustainability of Nigeria economy?
3. To what extent to bribery and corruption contributes to Nigeria’s perpetual underdevelopment.
4. To what extent has bribery and corruption in Nigeria contributed to the rate of unemployment in the country?
5. Does the act of bribery and corruption in Nigeria result to disincentiveness of foreign direct investments?
6. To what extent has bribery and corruption contributed to the rate of youths’ restiveness and other societal crimes in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance Of The Study

The totality of this study will provide the basis for developing appropriate ways of curbing corruption in order to enhance and sustain democracy in Nigeria. Because the issue of corruption is not only found within the African continent alone, it encompasses all other continent. Corruption is endemic everywhere, the costs of addressing corruption are prohibitively high, and the few resources that exist should be spent on enforcement measures, such as high- profile government watchdog agencies.

 But, in fact, there is increasing evidence that the economic costs of corruption are enormous; levels of corruption vary widely among developing countries; controlling corruption is feasible, and strategies to address corruption need to pay more attention to its root causes and thus to the roles of incentives, prevention, and specific economic and institutional reforms. For instance, the role of economic and financial crime commission (EFCC) at the national level and other related offence agency.

1.6 Scope Of The Study

The study is delimited to challenges and implications of bribery and corruption in Nigeria. The respondents for the study will be obtained from the office of EFCC in Imo State.

1.7 Limitation Of The Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researcher encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size. More so, the researcher simultaneously engaged in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition Of Terms

Corruption: according to Khan's definition, is an act which deviates from the rules of conduct governing the actions of someone in a position of public authority because of private motive such as wealth, power or status." Also, Paulo Mauno (1997), has observed, bureaucratic corruption can be traced to government international in the economy, policies aimed liberalization, stabilization, deregulation, and privatization.

Anti Corruption: is designed to eradicate or prevent dishonest or fraudulent conduct especially in a political context.

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