By Professor Mannixs E. Paul

Corruption, a pervasive challenge in Nigeria, continues to undermine democratic governance and stifle economic development. Despite commendable efforts at the national level through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), the state and local government levels demand urgent attention. It is widely acknowledged that prevention is better than cure, and leaders should urgently prioritize efforts to prevent corruption rather than solely focusing on reactive measures.

In a hypothetical scenario where fraud and corruption are prevalent in a country, such as Nigeria or any other developing nation, there is a critical need for solid anti-corruption measures and the promotion of integrity and transparency (Transparency International, 2023). This behavior can have devastating effects on the economy, governance, and societal trust, highlighting the importance of comprehensive strategies to combat corruption at all levels (Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics, 2023).

When corruption becomes an accepted cultural norm, the likelihood of appointed agents or employees exploiting their positions for personal gain is higher. Therefore, responsible leaders should seek the advice of independent professionals and obtain separate reports to make well-informed decisions. They should also avoid replicating unsuccessful policies and explore innovative and competitive methods to achieve their goals, fostering creativity in the fight against corruption.

Leaders must comprehend that corruption stems from various factors, such as weak institutions, poor governance, and a lack of transparency and accountability. Addressing these underlying causes, including abuses of power, greed, conflicts of interest, and lack of integrity, is imperative to combat corruption effectively (World Bank, 2020). The importance of transparency and accountability cannot be overstated in this fight, as they are the cornerstones of a corruption-free society.

The fight against fraud and corruption necessitates a unified approach from multiple stakeholders. Corruption’s detrimental impact on governance and economic stability underscores the importance of exploring innovative and disruptive methodologies to yield effective results. Fostering collaboration among agencies, the private sector, and other organizations is crucial to significantly enhancing the fight against corruption.

Fraud and corruption are complex issues requiring specialized knowledge and skills. Leveraging the private sector’s expertise in technology and advanced solutions can be crucial in addressing these challenges. Government agencies can benefit from outsourcing specific services to private firms, gaining access to advanced analytical tools, forensic technologies, and specialized knowledge that may need to be more readily available in-house.

The persistent struggle against unethical practices, bribery, and corruption has demonstrated minimal advancement in Nigeria and other emerging developing nations. Corruption, deficient transparency, and inadequate governance have long been identified as substantial impediments to economic expansion and progress, particularly in developing countries. Effective governance is distinguished by accountability, transparency, adherence to the rule of law, receptiveness, fairness, and inclusivity, which are indispensable for any society. The absence of these principles within any institution or society is conducive to the proliferation of corruption, culminating in the misappropriation of public resources, diminished government efficacy, and erosion of public confidence.

The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International rated Nigeria 154th out of 180 countries, giving it a score of 24 out of 100, indicating high levels of public sector corruption. Transparency International introduced the CPI in 1995 to gauge perceived public sector corruption levels. Data for CPI scores before 1995 may not be available, but information is accessible from 1995 onwards. Here are the average CPI scores for Nigeria by decade: 1990-2000: CPI introduced in 1995; 2000-2010: Average CPI score around 19.8; 2010-2020: Average CPI score approximately 25.1; 2020-2023: Average CPI score approximately 24 (most recent years on the 0-100 scale).

Despite the efforts of various anti-corruption agencies, Nigeria’s score in the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows high levels of public sector corruption. Countries with poor transparency and governance rank low in global corruption indices, leading to various negative impacts such as insecurity, social unrest, failing infrastructure, declining health standards, and economic regression. These affect all levels of society, impacting both affluent and underprivileged demographics.

It is disheartening to note that nations deeply entrenched in a culture of corruption often lack the determination to address the root issue by closing loopholes. Experts have proposed various effective strategies to combat corruption over the years, underscoring the necessity for tailored approaches based on each country’s unique cultural context.

These strategies encompass preventive measures, which have exhibited promise in diverse national contexts. Effective anti-corruption strategies entail legal reforms, transparency, technology, whistleblower protection, civic engagement, and rigorous auditing. Countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Estonia, Georgia, India, Colombia, Italy, South Korea, Brazil, Moldova, New Zealand, and Sweden exemplify success in combating corruption.

For example, the Brazilian government and civil society organizations have conducted extensive public education campaigns on corruption and ethics. Initiatives like “Open Data” and citizen watchdog groups have empowered the public to hold officials accountable. In Moldova, the “State of Corruption” campaign educates citizens about corruption and their role in combating it, leading to heightened transparency and accountability through public understanding and civic engagement.

By adopting and adapting these approaches, other nations can strengthen their efforts to combat corruption and establish more transparent and accountable governance systems similar to those of many Western nations with low corruption levels. Consider this scenario:

In a country where approximately 90% of individuals are inclined to partake in fraudulent activities, the implications for employment are significant. Where can anti-corruption or other agencies find reliable personnel? The same question applies to all other relevant stakeholders, and employability is very local in most developing nations.

In a system deeply entrenched with corruption, the problem affects everyone, from the top to the bottom. Those in positions of power who resist corruption are often the only ones who suffer the consequences. Actual change requires leaders who are willing to depart radically from established norms. Legislators must pass laws that hold corrupt officials accountable while empowering citizens and communities to hold contractors responsible through tort law. This approach is based on the belief that preventing white-collar crimes is more effective than simply fighting them after the fact, and it can potentially transform societies. The fact that agencies are standing up against each other indicates that something is wrong, and leaders must address the issue before it causes irreparable harm.

Even agencies dedicated to fighting corruption are not immune to it, which is concerning. The international community and local populations strongly urge developing countries to prioritize addressing real issues and seeing measurable reductions in crime. Leadership has no choice but to make significant changes because the current methods of combatting corruption need to meet expectations. Too often, those responsible for protecting society become victims themselves, leaving the hopes of ordinary people hanging by a thread.

According to various researchers and agency reports, it is evident that immediate and intentional action is needed to address corruption, which will soon intersect with the issue of overpopulation. This will have significant and urgent impacts on food security and other complex societal challenges. The demographic data for Nigeria highlights the generational distribution: Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) accounts for 55% of the population. Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) make up 25%, while Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) comprises 13%. Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) represent 7% of the population (United et al. Division, 2022; Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics, 2023; Pew Research Center, 2023).

According to United Nations projections, Nigeria’s population is expected to increase dramatically from 31.8 million in 1950 to an estimated 417 million by 2050. This equates to an average annual increase of approximately 125.6 million individuals. This considerable population growth highlights the critical need for effective governance and resource management to address the challenges arising from a rapidly expanding populace.

Nigeria has a predominantly young population, with 80% being Millennials and Generation Z. If this demographic is effectively leveraged through investments in education, employment, and healthcare, it could serve as a significant demographic dividend, promising a bright future for Nigeria. This will require deliberate efforts from anti- corruption agencies, the Nigeria Orientation Agency, academic and professional organizations, and religious organizations to guide and support this population toward a more positive path.

Furthermore, the rapid growth of the population, coupled with the challenge of sustaining this growth amidst corruption, can lead to significant disasters. Addressing such challenges requires substantial infrastructure and resource allocation investments to prevent exacerbating issues like inadequate healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Taking proactive measures to prevent rapid population growth from deteriorating living standards is crucial.

The need for improved anti-corruption measures:

State and local governments are critical in providing public health, education, and infrastructure services. Unfortunately, these levels of government are often plagued by corruption, leading to the misallocation of resources and a loss of public trust. The prevalence of entrenched corrupt practices, especially in the context of newly established local government autonomy, further complicates the situation. Nigeria has 774 local governments and 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). The scale of the problem requires timely intervention to deter crime and protect the vulnerable from the influence of godfatherism in local government politics due to the allocation of funds.

Why Focus on Local Government in the Fight Against Corruption

Focusing on local government is crucial as it directly connects with the grassroots level, reaching most of the population. When local governments effectively carry out their responsibilities, they act as citizens’ primary point of interaction and service delivery. This local-level engagement makes them essential in fostering development and addressing community needs. Historically, the potential of local governments as pathways to growth has been suppressed, limiting their effectiveness. Now, with renewed autonomy and attention, there is a significant opportunity to empower local governments, ensuring they are nurtured to maturity for the benefit of all citizens.

By strengthening local governments, we can create a governance structure that is closer to the people, more responsive to their needs, and better equipped to implement development initiatives. This proximity allows for tailored solutions that address each community’s unique challenges and opportunities, promoting sustainable development.

Effective local governance can enhance public trust, increase accountability, and reduce the corruption that often thrives in less transparent environments.

Local governments have the potential to be the catalysts for national development by driving economic growth, improving public services, and fostering community participation. To harness this potential, it is essential to provide local governments with the necessary resources, training, and oversight to fulfill their roles effectively. Doing so lays the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society, ensuring that development benefits reach every corner of the nation.

The EFCC and ICPC need to increase their efforts in this area. Their oversight and enforcement responsibilities should not be limited to high-profile national cases but should also cover thorough monitoring of state and local government operations. This includes conducting regular audits, establishing transparent reporting mechanisms, and ensuring strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

The fight against fraud and corruption is reaching a critical point as these issues grow in complexity and scale. It is becoming increasingly clear that we need more than traditional methods to combat them effectively. This is a call to action for anti-corruption agencies to broaden their approach and use innovative strategies to address this expanding challenge. Anti-corruption agencies must act swiftly and decisively because corruption is becoming more widespread and sophisticated. Traditional reactive measures must be revised to keep up with corruption cases’ increasing scale and complexity. If agencies do not adapt quickly, they risk being overwhelmed by the volume and complexity of corruption cases due to the following reasons:

• Increasing Scale of Corruption: Corrupt practices are proliferating across various sectors and levels of government, requiring a more comprehensive and adaptive response.
• Limited Workforce: Embracing new methods and technologies can help agencies manage increasing cases with their existing personnel and resources.

Collaboration and innovation are vital to combat corruption effectively. Here is why anti-corruption agencies must urgently engage in these strategies:

• Harnessing Expertise: Anti-corruption agencies can collaborate with the private sector to tap into specialized knowledge and advanced technologies. This partnership can bring expertise crucial for uncovering and addressing complex corruption schemes.
• Implementing Disruptive Technologies: Adopting cutting-edge technologies such as big data analytics, blockchain, and artificial intelligence can significantly enhance the capabilities of anti-corruption efforts. These tools can improve the detection and prevention of fraudulent activities and increase overall efficiency.
• Expanding Workforce Capabilities: Outsourcing certain functions to private firms can help overcome the limitations of a small workforce. This approach can provide additional resources and expertise to handle the broad scope of corruption cases effectively.

Shifting to Proactive Strategies: Moving from a reactive stance to a proactive approach is essential. Prevention and early detection are more cost-effective and can mitigate the impact of corruption before it escalates.

Building Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening partnerships between public institutions and private entities can lead to more robust anti-corruption frameworks. This collaboration can provide additional support, resources, and innovative solutions to combat corruption.

Conclusion:

In today’s world, the fight against corruption requires a coordinated and innovative approach. Anti-corruption agencies need to work together, tap into the expertise of the private sector, and embrace cutting-edge technologies to keep up with the increasingly sophisticated methods used by corrupt individuals and entities. By broadening their strategies to include preventative measures and proactive detection, these agencies can better handle the expanding scope of corruption and ensure a more impactful and enduring battle against fraudulent activities. This urgent plea for action is crucial to protect integrity and establish a transparent and accountable system.

Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, Global Chairman Chartered Examiner of Criminology and Forensic Investigation, USA