The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has raised alarms over a high level of corruption pervasive across various sectors in Nigeria, including the legislative, judicial, and executive arms of government, as well as the private sector. The revelation was made by Tunde Babawale, the Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, during the validation meeting of the Nigeria Corruption Index (NCI) Survey in Abuja.
According to Mr. Babawale, the findings from the survey conducted between 2022 and 2023 indicate a corruption level of 42 percent within these sectors. The study not only highlights the prevalence of corruption but also stresses the need for a change in attitude, mindset, and behavior among Nigerians to combat the issue effectively.
He emphasized the need for Nigerians to develop a high intolerance level for corruption, noting that there is currently a high level of tolerance for corrupt practices in the country. Babawale suggested that efforts should be made to train both the youth and older generations on developing an “anti-corruption antigen” to counteract this pervasive issue.
The NCI survey, which focused on grand corruption, sought to measure the extent of corruption in Nigeria, specifically targeting the three arms of government and the private sector. The findings highlighted the impact of grand corruption and aimed to advise the government on policies and interventions to tackle corruption effectively.
Concerns were raised about the trivialization of corruption and its perpetuation by the private sector through fraudulent interpretations of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The private sector was accused of fueling corrupt practices in collaboration with public officials.
Elijah Okebukola, the Lead researcher on the NCI project, revealed that the index measured corruption at different levels and identified a high level of corruption in virtually every sector across Nigeria’s three arms of government. The ICPC emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat corruption and urged the government to address legislative oversights and fraudulent practices in the private sector.
