CHAPTER 1----INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The issue of corruption constitutes a fundamental phenomenon in our contemporary society. Nigeria has over the years suffered from corruption and the effect has exacted untold hardship on the living standard of the ordinary citizen as well as on the pace of development of the economy of the nation. The Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, defines corruption as bribery, fraud and other related offences. It covers the deliberate giving and receipt of gratification or bribes to influence the execution of public responsibility, deceitful acquisition and receipt of properties, will full impairment of investigation by ICPC. The Black’s Law dictionary views corruption as the damage of integrity, virtue, or moral principle as it applies to public official duties. Corruption is the exhibition of behavior which contradicts the official duties for private gain. The term corruption has also been viewed as any action or inaction which leads to the intentional acquisition of gain for one’s self relation or acquaintance in a manner which contradict the law , or code of conduct. Corruption is the denial of public trust directly or indirectly so as to suppress public interest to one’s personal interest. Corruption is also viewed as the interference with the elections process illegally to falsify results or vote rigging. It involves bureaucratic corruption which entails the illegal enrichment of civil servants. The study seeks to investigate corruption in Nigeria; A threat to sustainable development.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The current state of decay of democracy and democratic principles is due to Corruption. It undermines Good governance by converting public wealth into private gains and leads to the manipulation of election results to the detriment of the voting public. Corruption deprives of the electorate the principle of accountability in government. Corrupt politicians and other public office holders squander the nation’s resources illegally for their private gains unabated. The country’s judiciary is not absolved of this menace as the rich never gets convicted while only the poor face the consequences of the law. The effect of corruption on the economy is devastating. It stifles economic growth, leads to Loss of revenue, investments and trade opportunities. The implementation of government policies in many areas of the economy have been weakened by corrupt practices such as bribery, extortions, marginalization, tribalism and many more. It has led to public procurement, revenue collection, Foreign Direct Investment and application of foreign aid. Corruption has led to decay in infrastructure, education, medical service and government public treasury. The problem confronting the study is to investigate corruption in Nigeria; A threat to sustainable development.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objective of the study is to investigate corruption in Nigeria; a threat to sustainable development. The specific objectives of the study include;
- To determine the level of corruption in Nigeria.
- To determine the causes of corruption in Nigeria.
- To determine the effect of corruption on the economic development of Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- What is the level of corruption in Nigeria?
- What are the causes of corruption in Nigeria?
- 3. What is the effect of corruption on the economic development of Nigeria?
1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS
Ho1: There are no significant causes of corruption in Nigeria.
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study seeks to determine the nature and effect of corruption in Nigeria with the view of attracting the government and all stakeholders to the challenge of proffering solution to the issue of corruption in Nigeria.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the investigation of corruption in Nigeria; A threat to sustainable development.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study was confronted with logistics and geographical constraints.
1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS
BRIBERY DEFINED
Bribery is the giving and receiving of gratification by public office holders for the performance of official duties. It is corrupt payment, receipt, or solicitation of a private favour for official action.
STEALING DEFINED
Stealing is the fraudulent conversion of public resources for personal use or the use of a third party.
MISAPPROPRAITION OF FUNDS DEFINED
The illegal use of property or funds for one's own use or other unauthorized purpose by public office holders.
PRIVATISATION DEFINED
The transfer of ownership of government property, assets, companies, interests, going corporate concerns, shares, securities and from the public sector to the private sector of the economy.
DEVELOPMENT DEFINED
The state of which there is an increase in the standard of living of the people. A condition of economic growth of the nation. A state of fundamental change and
Sustainable development.
