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CORRUPTION AND IN INSECURITY IN NIGERIA. A CASE STUDY OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria during the Fourth Republic. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to collect relevant data. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 133 respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data collected were presented and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, while a one-sample t-test was employed to test the stated hypotheses. The findings revealed a significant relationship between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria during the Fourth Republic, as indicated by a mean score of 4.02, a t-value of 15.63, and a p-value of 0.000. Additionally, the effectiveness of government interventions in combating corruption and insecurity was found to be inadequate, with a mean score of 3.78, a t-value of 12.45, and a p-value of 0.000. Furthermore, the study established that corruption-induced insecurity had a substantial socio-economic impact on the Nigerian populace, with a mean score of 3.95, a t-value of 14.32, and a p-value of 0.000. The study concluded that corruption and insecurity were intertwined problems in Nigeria, which required more robust and comprehensive government interventions to mitigate their impacts. It was recommended that the government strengthen anti-corruption agencies, enhance institutional frameworks, and promote transparency and accountability within security agencies. Additionally, public awareness campaigns should be intensified to educate citizens on the adverse effects of corruption and insecurity. While the study provided valuable insights, it was limited by its sample size and reliance on self-reported data. Future studies could expand the sample size and include qualitative approaches to enrich the findings.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Corruption and insecurity are two intertwined challenges that have plagued Nigeria, particularly during the Fourth Republic (1999 to the present). The Fourth Republic marked Nigeria’s return to democratic governance after decades of military rule, raising hopes for socio-economic transformation and political stability. However, corruption and insecurity have remained significant obstacles to national development (Akinyemi, 2022).
Corruption in Nigeria has permeated various sectors of the economy and governance, including public administration, politics, law enforcement, and the judiciary. It manifests in diverse forms such as bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, and electoral malpractices. According to Bujra (2022), corruption continues to undermine state institutions, leading to weak governance structures and inefficient public services. The mismanagement of public resources and political patronage systems have further exacerbated corruption, making it difficult for Nigeria to effectively address its socio-economic challenges (Fayeye, 2021).
Moreover, the diversion of public funds meant for security operations has contributed to the increasing level of insecurity in Nigeria. According to Shehu (2021), funds allocated to combat crime and insurgency are often misappropriated by public officials, thereby compromising the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to criminal activities. The proliferation of illegal arms and ethno-religious violence is a direct consequence of ineffective governance and corruption in the security sector (Okiro, n.d.).
The Fourth Republic has witnessed several anti-corruption measures, including the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). However, despite these efforts, corruption remains a critical issue in Nigeria. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act (2004), the EFCC was established to combat financial crimes and corruption through investigation and enforcement. Unfortunately, the persistent nature of corruption suggests that these interventions have not been entirely effective in curbing the problem (Buhari, 2020).
Transparency International (2023) further highlights that Nigeria continues to rank poorly on the Corruption Perceptions Index, reflecting widespread corruption in the public and private sectors. The inefficiency of anti-corruption agencies in enforcing transparency and accountability has been a significant limitation of government efforts (Huther & Shah, 2022). Additionally, Tanzi (2022) emphasizes that corruption not only affects governance but also influences economic outcomes, thus hindering growth and development.
Insecurity in Nigeria has escalated over the years, with violent crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts becoming rampant. The emergence of insurgent groups like Boko Haram, armed bandits in the northwest, and secessionist movements in the southeast has heightened security challenges. According to Collier and Hoeffler (2022), the greed and grievance theory suggests that economic exploitation and social inequality drive violent conflicts. In Nigeria, the unequal distribution of resources and political exclusion contribute to these conflicts, which are often exacerbated by corruption within the security apparatus (Murshed & Tadjoeddin, 2023).
Additionally, corruption undermines the credibility of political institutions and the rule of law, which in turn increases public distrust in the government. This situation has led to the proliferation of non-state actors who exploit the vulnerabilities in the system to carry out criminal activities (Fayeye, 2021). As noted by Costa (2020), the link between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria is evident in how funds meant for developmental projects and security operations are diverted for personal gain.
Furthermore, the legal frameworks established to combat corruption have proven inadequate in addressing the root causes of insecurity. The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (2004) provides a legal basis for prosecuting corrupt officials, but enforcement remains weak due to political interference and institutional weaknesses (Ocheje, 2021). The Public Procurement Act (2007) was also introduced to promote transparency and accountability in public procurement processes, yet corruption continues to thrive within government agencies (Transparency International, 2023).
The Ibrahim Index of African Governance (2001–2010) reveals that corruption and insecurity have hindered Nigeria’s progress in governance and socio-economic development. Efforts to combat corruption have been marred by the politicization of anti-corruption agencies and selective prosecution of offenders (Akinyemi, 2022). As a result, public trust in government institutions remains low, and the legitimacy of the political system continues to be questioned (Svensson, 2023).
Addressing the nexus between corruption and insecurity is essential to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Nigeria. While efforts have been made to tackle corruption through legal and institutional reforms, more needs to be done to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote transparency in public administration. As noted by Akinrijomu (2021), the reformation of governance structures and political systems is crucial for curbing corruption and improving national security. This study aims to investigate the relationship between corruption and insecurity during the Fourth Republic and examine the effectiveness of government interventions in curbing both challenges.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite various efforts made by the Nigerian government and international organizations to combat corruption and insecurity, these challenges continue to pose significant threats to national development and stability. Existing research has highlighted the adverse effects of corruption on governance, economic growth, and social development in Nigeria. For instance, Bujra (2022) asserts that corruption remains a pervasive issue undermining effective governance and weakening state institutions. Furthermore, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index consistently ranks Nigeria among the most corrupt nations globally, indicating that previous anti-corruption measures have been largely ineffective (Transparency International, 2023).
While studies have explored the relationship between corruption and insecurity, there remain critical gaps in understanding the systemic and structural factors that perpetuate these issues. Collier and Hoeffler (2022) examined how greed and grievance contribute to violent internal conflicts but did not adequately address how institutionalized corruption within government agencies fuels insecurity. Additionally, Murshed and Tadjoeddin (2023) revisited the greed and grievance theory but failed to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how misappropriation of security funds exacerbates insecurity in Nigeria.
Furthermore, existing anti-corruption policies and frameworks, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act (2004) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act (2004), have not effectively addressed the root causes of corruption and insecurity. As noted by Ocheje (2021), the inability of these frameworks to enforce accountability and transparency has contributed to the persistence of corruption and its adverse effects on national security.
Moreover, previous studies have predominantly focused on either corruption or insecurity as isolated issues. There is a paucity of research investigating the interconnectedness between corruption and insecurity, particularly during the Fourth Republic. This lack of comprehensive analysis undermines the development of effective policies aimed at addressing both issues simultaneously (Fayeye, 2021; Shehu, 2021).
Another gap in existing research is the inadequate evaluation of government interventions aimed at curbing corruption and insecurity. Although institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have been established, their effectiveness in reducing corruption and insecurity remains questionable (Buhari, 2020; Costa, 2020).
Therefore, this study seeks to fill these gaps by investigating the intricate relationship between corruption and insecurity during the Fourth Republic. It aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of existing government interventions and suggest more robust measures to combat both issues simultaneously.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The primary objectives of this study are:
- To examine the relationship between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria during the Fourth Republic.
- To assess the effectiveness of government interventions in combating corruption and insecurity.
- To investigate the socio-economic impact of corruption-induced insecurity on the Nigerian populace.
1.4 Research Questions
To achieve the objectives outlined, the study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- What is the relationship between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria during the Fourth Republic?
- How effective have government interventions been in addressing corruption and insecurity?
- What are the socio-economic impacts of corruption-induced insecurity on Nigerian citizens?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
To guide the investigation, the following hypotheses have been formulated:
- H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria during the Fourth Republic.
- H₀₂: Government interventions have not significantly reduced corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.
- H₀₃: Corruption-induced insecurity has no significant socio-economic impact on the Nigerian populace.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it seeks to address the critical gap in understanding the complex relationship between corruption and insecurity within the context of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. Despite numerous anti-corruption initiatives and policies aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, insecurity continues to escalate across the country. This paradox highlights the need for a thorough investigation into how corruption undermines efforts to achieve sustainable security and stability.
The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the underlying factors that have perpetuated insecurity despite various anti-corruption campaigns. By examining the systemic issues contributing to corruption and insecurity, the study will offer a clearer understanding of the inefficiencies within governance and security frameworks. Additionally, it will highlight the institutional weaknesses that enable corruption to thrive, thereby undermining effective security operations and social cohesion.
Furthermore, this research will be beneficial to a broad range of stakeholders, including policymakers, government agencies, security institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and academic scholars. Policymakers will gain evidence-based recommendations that can inform the development of more effective policies aimed at addressing corruption and insecurity simultaneously. Government agencies and security institutions will benefit from practical insights that can enhance transparency, accountability, and overall efficiency in combating insecurity.
Moreover, this study will contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge in the fields of public administration, governance, and security studies. Scholars and researchers will find the study useful for further exploration of the relationship between corruption and insecurity, particularly in developing countries with similar socio-political dynamics.
Ultimately, the study’s findings will not only enhance understanding of the corruption-insecurity nexus but also serve as a basis for designing robust measures to mitigate both challenges. By providing practical recommendations and contributing to scholarly discourse, this study aims to support the promotion of good governance, peace, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study is focused on the relationship between corruption and insecurity in Nigeria, specifically within the Fourth Republic (1999 to the present). It examines the nature, causes, and consequences of corruption and insecurity, as well as the effectiveness of government interventions. The geographical focus will include areas most affected by insecurity, such as the Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast regions of Nigeria.