NIGERIA: THE CHALLENGE OF CORRUPTION.

In Nigeria, corruption is a major challenge. It is undoubtedly responsible for Nigeria’s poverty and underdevelopment. Corruption has been part of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic process that has continued to grow despite several efforts to bring it in check. Successive governments in Nigeria have failed attempts to mitigate or eradicate corruption through the establishment of anticorruption agencies and legislations. These efforts failed because they were poorly conceived, dishonest, and enmeshed in Nigeria’s political culture of greed, absence of the right personnel, and political will to enforce them. Getting the country out of the chokehold of corruption is the most critical first step toward eradicating poverty and stimulating socioeconomic and political renaissance. To mitigate corruption in Nigeria sustainably, radical institutional reforms in the public service sector would make corruption difficult, dangerous, and unattractive. Again, and most importantly, the administration of justice systems should be truly independent and free from political interference.