Corruption, Anti-Corruption Agencies and the Nigerian Government

Corruption has spread astronomically into all spheres of life in Nigeria. This unpleasant situation has resulted into a down turn of the economy. Relevant stakeholders in government have perpetrated this evil of corruption by diverting public fund for self interest. Monies meant for infrastructural development of the society are misappropriated and embezzled. These defective situations have induced the citizens to cast away moral values to engage fully in corrupt practices. In a bid to curb the menace of corruption, Nigerian government established anti-corruption agencies to fight corruption. Anti-corruption agencies such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and others have set out against the spread of corruption. However, the efforts of these agencies are queried because of the aggravated state of corruption in Nigeria. It is against this backdrop, that this paper examined corruption and the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria. It also reflects the influence of Nigerian Government on both corruption and the anti-corruption agencies. The paper concluded that anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria can become effective if government and its officials are committed to fighting the menace of corruption.