Why Corruption Persists In Nigeria – Speaker, Abbas

Hon Tajudeen Abbas

Hon Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, has explained why it is difficult to tackle corruption in Nigeria.

The Speaker made this known while speaking at an event held by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission on Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social Norms and Behavioural Change in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to the lawmaker, the high level of corruption within the corridors of power has greatly slowed down the country’s ability to reach its full potential.

He noted that this is because certain factors such as behaviours, norms, attitudes, expectations, weak governance structures, lack of transparency have perpetually contributed immensely to the subsistence of corruption in Nigeria.

He said, “Despite this recognition, certain corruption-inducing behaviours, norms, attitudes, and expectations persist within our society, thereby, enabling and perpetuating acts of corruption.

“Corruption in Nigeria has been fuelled by various factors, including weak governance structures, lack of transparency and accountability, poverty, and cultural acceptance of corrupt practices.

“While we have laws, policies and institutions to tackle corruption, it is my considered opinion that corruption continues to fester owing to prevailing societal attitudes towards wealth, fame, power and success regardless of how they are obtained.

“The behavioural and social norms approach in tackling corruption is akin to cutting off the root of an evil tree than trimming its branches. After all, prevention is better than cure.

”It follows, therefore, that addressing corruption requires not only legal and institutional reforms but also a transformation of social norms and behaviours.”