CORRUPTION AND THE PARADOX OF POVERTY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria is the fastest growing economy on the African continent and one of the 10 fastest growing economies in the world. Available records have it that 69 percent of Nigeria population is living in various degree of poverty which has been caused by corruption. This study seeks to (a) re-examine recent literature that have been undertaken on the relationship between the growing cases of corruption and poverty in Nigeria (b) find out the implication of corruption and poverty on Nigeria’s development. This study combined both qualitative and quantitative data drawn from secondary sources. The Secondary data on corruption and poverty was obtained from newspapers, magazines; articles in journals, books; and internet sources. The secondary data was analysed using the content analysis method and is presented in tables, graphs and narratives. Our findings shows that there is a strong correlation between corruption and poverty in Nigeria such that despite the establishment of anti-graft agencies in Nigeria the country hitherto scores high in the Corruption Perception Index and scores low in the Human Development Index. Also, poverty levels in some states where State Governors were found to be guilty of misusing and converting public funds into private use is higher than in states where governors were judicious in the use of public funds. However, corrupt behaviours have eroded the institutional capacity of governments and ministries to deliver quality public services such as education, health, infrastructure, etc. Lastly, poverty is highest in situations where the Nigerians have the worst education and health indicators - both on service uptake and outcomes.