Corruption and Nigeria’s National Development: Perspective from Staff Members of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of corruption on Nigeria national development through the perception of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) staff. A sample of 150 staff of the commission participated in the study. The questionnaire was used as instrument for the collection of relevant data while descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data gathered. From the findings, EFCC staff perceived corruption to have impacted negatively on the
development of Nigeria in terms of lack of medical facilities, incessant power shortages, bad roads, dilapidated schools and poor water supplies etc. EFCC staff also believed that corruption diminishes the image of the country in the perception of international communities and corruption creates mistrust between the government and the populace. They also suggested that individuals with exemplary and corrupt free leadership should be celebrated, honesty and integrity should be rewarded, and defaulters should be punished in accordance with relevant statutory provisions.