CORRUPTION AND THE NIGERIAN STATE, 1960-2007: A THEORETICAL OVERVIEW

Abstract

This article argues that corruption in Nigerian state takes its roots from the systemic debasement or flagrant disregard for the moral and social prescriptions that shape the conduct and behaviour of people in a society. While corruption has repeatedly defined the Nigerian state, how it has, without form and shape found a dwelling place in the midst of Nigerians as a people is rarely examined. Drawing on Marxism and historical document analysis, this article examines how corruption crept into the lives of Nigerians and its implications for socio-economic growth and development. The findings expand discussion on the dimensions of corruption in the Nigerian state and its implications for the Nigerian state. The findings also explain means through which corruption weakens governmental and non-governmental institutions including religious, legislative, and financial institutions in Nigeria. It concluded that there is a positive interconnectivity between corruption and the Nigerian state and it has been responsible for Nigeria’s socio-economic declines.