Combatting Corruption - Nigeria

Nigeria has been suffering from rampant corruption since gaining independence in the 1960’s. In a 2000 survey conducted by Transparency International, Nigeria was ranked as the most corrupt country in the world. In 2012 the Daily Post Nigeria reported that the country had lost over $400 billion in revenue since its independence due to corruption. In 2017, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime conducted a household survey which found that on average every adult citizen in Nigeria pays at least one bribe a year to public officials, and the average amount of cash paid in bribes is a quarter of the average monthly salary in Nigeria.

Even though the country has made efforts to combat corruption within the government and law enforcement agencies, the weak judiciary has had trouble gaining the public’s trust when unable to make serious headway. The weak judicial system has led to troubling human rights violations, such as arbitrary arrests lacking due process and search warrants. Additionally, those speaking out against the corruption have also found themselves detained illegally, such as journalists and demonstrators.

The corruption in Nigeria has infected all levels of government and effects all aspects of the lives of the citizens. Petty corruption by low and mid-level public officials, law enforcement, and even medical personnel is most prevalent, reaching over 90%. This type of corruption makes it difficult or impossible for low-income and impoverished citizens to access public services that should be free or reasonably priced. Grand corruption at the highest level of government can distort policies, and divert funds away from public interests, such as health care and education. And there is flagrant abuse of power regarding nepotism, favoritism, and political corruption.

The rampant corruption around the country has constant and detrimental effects on the lives of Nigerian citizens. With a large amount of money finding its way into the pockets of a select few, instead of being used to ignite the struggling economy and help the average citizen maintain their household, the people of Nigeria are suffering gravely. The massive increase in poverty over the last decade has led Nigeria to overtake India with the highest number of people living in extreme poverty (over 91 million Nigerians). Additionally, the corruption has led to the increase of national crises that further affect human rights in the country. Since 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency has taken over the North East of Nigeria, leading to over 20,000 deaths and 2.5 million displaced people, of which 55% were children. These crises oftentimes lead to even further corruption, with funds meant for aid or defense inevitably finding their way again to the pockets of corrupt leaders.