corruption as a bane for national development in Nigeria the impact of corruption on governance, economy, and social justice in Nigeria Section Articles

Abstract

Abstract

Corruption remains a critical impediment to national development in Nigeria, permeating every facet of governance and public life. Since gaining independence in 1960, successive administrations have grappled with various forms of corruption grand, petty, and political that continue to undermine economic growth, infrastructure development, and social equity. This paper adopts a qualitative research design, utilizing secondary data and content analysis to assess how corruption impedes Nigeria’s development trajectory. Key findings reveal that corruption leads to infrastructural decay, weakens transparency and accountability, fosters inequality, and erodes trust in public institutions. Despite the presence of anti-corruption agencies, their efforts have been largely ineffective due to political interference and lack of autonomy. The study concludes by proposing policy reforms, including empowering anti-corruption institutions, strengthening civil society engagement, and promoting leadership accountability through credible electoral processes. Ultimately, eliminating corruption is essential for achieving sustainable national development and fostering public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Keywords: Corruption, National Development, Governance, Nigeria, Transparency, Accountability, Anti-Corruption Strategies