We need to grasp the detrimental cost of corruption on the nation’s entire framework. It erodes the quality of work, siphons off funds, and diverts resources from essential projects. Every Kobo stolen from the public purse is a loss to the nation. In Nigeria, corruption has become embedded in governance, where it is not just a sideline issue but a systemic plague that affects every layer of development.
It is an undeniable reality that a significant portion of the Nigerian population involved in governance routinely pads budgets, contracts, or projects to accommodate individuals who have no direct relevance to the services or products delivered. What used to be a “10% extra” on contracts decades ago has now ballooned into as much as 50%, if not more. What is even more alarming is that this practice is now seen as normal and expected.
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A glaring example comes from a former governor who once boasted that he was wealthier than an entire state. This same individual later rose to a pre-eminent national office, yet his amassed wealth could not be logically linked to his business ventures or previous earnings. It raises fundamental questions about how an individual, in the span of a few decades, can accumulate such vast wealth, surpassing that of millions of people. Time will reveal the depths of this mismanagement and fraud.
For those genuinely interested in building a healthy and prosperous government, it is imperative to understand that taxes collected from citizens are meant for their benefit. These funds are not meant to be embezzled or used for personal gain. Taxes should be reinvested into infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other public services to uplift the nation, not siphoned away to enrich a few.
However, in Nigeria, funds allocated for public works often disappear into private accounts. Until individuals guilty of embezzling public funds are held accountable and prosecuted, the nation will continue to struggle with bad governance. Money acquired through theft or dishonest means is a cancer that stifles economic growth. Ill-gotten wealth, as we see in many public figures today, fuels a consumerist culture. Those who obtain wealth through corrupt means seldom reinvest it into productive ventures; instead, it is squandered on luxurious lifestyles and foreign assets.
Take, for instance, the rise of consumerism in Nigeria. The culture of celebrating quick, easy money—often attained through shady dealings—leads to a distorted economy. Rather than fostering entrepreneurship or innovation, the economy becomes a playground for those who gain their wealth through corruption. In contrast, economies that reward hard work, innovation, and enterprise are far more stable and prosperous.
Countries like Singapore and Rwanda serve as examples of how good governance and anti-corruption measures can dramatically transform a nation. Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore tackled corruption head-on, putting in place stringent anti-corruption laws and an efficient, transparent government. Today, Singapore is one of the least corrupt countries in the world, and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Similarly, Rwanda, under Paul Kagame, has made significant strides in curbing corruption, which has spurred rapid economic growth and stability.
In Nigeria, the opposite is often the case. Many who parade around with ill-gotten wealth face no consequences. Instead, they are celebrated and even awarded public offices. This culture of impunity must be dismantled if the country is to thrive. We need to begin treating those who steal from the public purse as social pariahs, not as role models.
To deal with corruption in Nigeria, we need a leader with the integrity and courage to confront this issue. Corruption is so deeply ingrained in the government that those who hold power often enter the system with the intention of enriching themselves, rather than serving the public. But we must continue to hope for a leader—like Daniel in the Bible—who will rise with the strength and resolve to bring about meaningful reforms.
This leader must be willing to cleanse the system from the top down, ensuring that corruption is minimised, not just among politicians but also within the civil service and private sector. It is critical to understand that corruption, left unchecked, will destroy every aspect of the nation.
It is time for us, as a society, to stop justifying or downplaying acts of corruption. We can no longer afford to pamper or excuse those who engage in fraudulent activities. A leader who is corrupt will never be able to deliver good governance. Conversely, a leader who is committed to fighting corruption must be above reproach, setting an example for the entire nation to follow.
Nigeria’s fight against corruption will require the collective effort of its citizens, institutions, and leadership. We must break the cycle of greed, theft, and selfishness to build a future where prosperity is not just a privilege for the few but a reality for all. Only then can we truly end this era of corruption.