Corruption is an anti-social attitude awarding improper privileges contrary to legal and moral norms and impairs the authorities' capacity to secure the welfare of all citizens.[1] Corruption in Nigeria is a constant phenomenon. In 2012, Nigeria was estimated to have lost over $400 billion to corruption since its independence.[2][3]
Nigerian politicians find themselves in a strong position of power and wealth due to their connections with the oil and gas industries in Nigeria. These gas industries are under the control of the state-owned company NNPC Limited. Oil and gas exports account for over 90% of all Nigerian export revenues.[4] While many politicians own or have shares in these industries, tax revenues from the energy sector are diminished and the benefits of Nigeria's energy wealth is not evenly distributed throughout the country with Lagos State benefitting disproportionately.[5] Oil and gas revenues, therefore, account for the vast majority of the federal budget and the salaries of government officials [6] Vote rigging by political parties in elections is widespread, and corruption is endemic within government. Business arrangements and family loyalties dominate governmental appointments, paving the way for politicians, officials, and their business associates, who together make up the ruling elite to ensure that they all become wealthy through behind-the-scenes agreements and the awarding of profitable contracts to favored supporters.[7] In 2018, many government employees received annual salaries over $1 million. Corruption runs through every level of the Nigerian government. From considerable contract fraud at the top, through petty bribery, money laundering schemes, embezzlement, and seizing salaries from fake workers, it is estimated that corruption within the state apparatus costs the country billions of dollars annually.[8][9]
- ^ Belda Mullor, Guillermo (2018). Citizens' Attitude towards Political Corruption and the Impact of Social Media (Thesis). Universitat Jaume I. doi:10.6035/14102.2018.525941. hdl:10803/664898.
- ^ Okoye, Rita (31 August 2012). "Nigeria has lost $400bn oil revenue to corruption since Independence – Ezekwesili". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2 July 2016.
- ^ Ijewereme, Ogbewere Bankole (2015-06-19). "Anatomy of Corruption in the Nigerian Public Sector: Theoretical Perspectives and Some Empirical Explanations". SAGE Open. 5 (2): 215824401558118. doi:10.1177/2158244015581188. ISSN 2158-2440.
- ^ Varrella, Simona (1 December 2020). "Topic: Oil industry in Nigeria". Statista. Retrieved 2021-01-23.
- ^ "'Shameful' Nigeria: a country that doesn't care about inequality". the Guardian. 2017-07-18. Retrieved 2021-05-16.
- ^ "2023 budget performance hangs on growing oil revenue, ending petrol subsidies". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
- ^ Ralby, Ian (2017). Downstream Oil Theft: Global Modalities, Trends, and Remedies. Atlantic Council: Global Energy Centre. ISBN 978-1-61977-440-7.
- ^ "Corruption And Embezzlement In Nigeria". Naijabeat.com. 14 June 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2022.
- ^ Campbell, Page; John, Matthew (2018). Nigeria: What Everyone Needs To Know. New York. pp. 89–103.
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