CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Corruption poses a significant challenge to public service delivery in Nigeria, undermining the effective functioning of government institutions and impeding socio-economic development. This pervasive phenomenon has far-reaching consequences, affecting various sectors including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and law enforcement. In Nigeria, where corruption is deeply entrenched within the fabric of society, its detrimental impact on public service delivery is profound, exacerbating inequalities, diminishing trust in government, and hindering progress towards achieving national development goals. Transparency International. (2021).
Corruption in Nigeria's public service delivery system manifests through various forms, such as embezzlement, bribery, nepotism, and favoritism. These unethical practices often result in misallocation of resources, inefficiency, and poor service quality, ultimately depriving citizens of essential services and opportunities for advancement. The prevalence of corruption perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and underdevelopment, perpetuating inequality and eroding public confidence in government institutions. Oyekanmi, F. O., & Oladele, R. I. (2019).
Studies have shown that corruption significantly undermines the effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery in Nigeria. Research by Transparency International consistently ranks Nigeria among the most corrupt countries globally, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue and its adverse effects on governance and development. Moreover, empirical evidence suggests a correlation between high levels of corruption and poor public service outcomes, including inadequate access to healthcare, education, clean water, and infrastructure. Adegbite, E., Amaeshi, K., & Nakpodia, F. (2013).
Addressing corruption in Nigeria's public service delivery requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing legal reforms, institutional strengthening, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and civic engagement. Efforts to combat corruption must be complemented by initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, integrity, and ethical leadership within government institutions. Additionally, fostering a culture of accountability and citizen participation is crucial for holding public officials accountable and ensuring the effective delivery of services to all Nigerians. Despite the challenges ahead, tackling corruption remains imperative for fostering sustainable development and improving the well-being of Nigeria's citizens. Oyinlade, A. A. (2017).
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The impact of corruption on public service delivery in Nigeria presents a multifaceted and deeply entrenched problem that severely undermines the country's governance and development efforts. Corruption permeates various levels of government and public institutions, leading to widespread misallocation of resources, inefficiency, and poor service quality. This phenomenon exacerbates inequalities and perpetuates a cycle of poverty, as essential services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and law enforcement are compromised due to embezzlement, bribery, nepotism, and favoritism. The consequence is diminished trust in government institutions, eroded public confidence, and a lack of accountability, hindering Nigeria's progress towards achieving socio-economic development goals and improving the well-being of its citizens. Transparency International. (2021).
Furthermore, the prevalence of corruption in Nigeria's public service delivery system not only impedes access to essential services but also exacerbates socio-economic disparities, particularly affecting marginalized and vulnerable populations. The skewed distribution of resources and opportunities perpetuated by corruption deepens existing inequalities, limiting socio-economic mobility and perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. As corruption continues to thrive within Nigeria's public sector, the urgency to address this pervasive issue becomes increasingly critical, necessitating comprehensive reforms, strengthened accountability mechanisms, and enhanced transparency to restore public trust, improve service delivery, and foster sustainable development. Oyekanmi, F. O., & Oladele, R. I. (2019).Top of Form
Bottom of Form
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of corruption on public service delivery in Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study are:
- 1. To analyze the various forms of corruption affecting public service delivery in Nigeria.
- 2. To evaluate the impact of corruption on the quality and accessibility of public services in Nigeria.
- To identify key factors contributing to and enabling corruption within the Nigerian public service system.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- 1. To what extent do different forms of corruption (bribery, nepotism, ghost workers, etc.) affect the delivery of specific public services in Nigeria (healthcare, education, infrastructure, etc.)?
- 2. How does corruption impact the quality, accessibility, and overall user experience of public services in Nigeria, particularly for marginalized or vulnerable populations?
- What are the key institutional, cultural, and individual factors that contribute to and enable corruption within the Nigerian public service system?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no statistical significant relationship between corruption and public service delivery in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Public Administration sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to SERVICOM, Abuja. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
REFERENCES
Transparency International. (2021). Corruption Perceptions Index 2020.
Oyekanmi, F. O., & Oladele, R. I. (2019). Corruption and public service delivery in Nigeria: The need for institutional reforms. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 7(12), 667-681.
Adegbite, E., Amaeshi, K., & Nakpodia, F. (2013). Multiple influences on corporate governance practice in Nigeria: Agents, strategies and implications. International Business Review, 22(3), 524-538.
Oyinlade, A. A. (2017). The socio-economic impacts of corruption in Nigeria. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 8(3), 2222-1700.
Olawale, L. A. (2020). Corruption and Public Service Delivery in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 10(2), 35-47.
