CORRUPTION AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: A FIGHT AGAINST IT (A STUDY OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIME COMMISSION)

CORRUPTION AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: A FIGHT AGAINST IT (A STUDY OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIME COMMISSION)

ABSTRACT

Corruption and insecurity remain critical challenges to Nigeria’s socio-economic stability, significantly impacting governance and public welfare. This study evaluates the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in combating corruption and its influence on national security. The primary objectives include assessing the EFCC’s effectiveness, examining its impact on security, identifying challenges it faces, and suggesting improvements for enhanced anti-corruption and security efforts. Utilizing a survey research design, data was collected from diverse stakeholders, including EFCC officials and the general public. Findings indicate mixed perceptions regarding the EFCC’s effectiveness, with over 50% acknowledging successful prosecutions of high-profile cases but also highlighting areas needing improvement. Although some respondents reported reduced corruption and crime rates attributed to the EFCC’s initiatives, challenges such as political interference, inadequate funding, and manpower constraints persist. Recommendations emphasize the need for the EFCC’s operational independence, increased funding, improved legal frameworks, and enhanced collaboration with other agencies. A preventive approach, public engagement, and measures to eliminate internal corruption are proposed to strengthen the EFCC’s capacity to curb corruption and contribute to Nigeria’s security landscape. This study underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues to enable the EFCC to achieve sustainable anti-corruption and security outcomes in Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Corruption remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, undermining democratic institutions, stifling economic growth, and perpetuating insecurity (Akinola, 2020). Despite numerous anti-corruption policies and initiatives, the impact of corruption continues to be felt deeply across all sectors of society. According to Transparency International, Nigeria consistently ranks among the most corrupt countries globally, highlighting the severity of the issue (Transparency International, 2023).

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) was established in 2003 as part of Nigeria’s effort to combat economic and financial crimes. Its mandate includes investigating and prosecuting offenses related to corruption, financial crimes, and money laundering (EFCC, 2024). The EFCC was created in response to growing public and international pressure to address the deep-seated corruption that plagued Nigeria’s political and economic systems (Ojo, 2021).

Insecurity in Nigeria, characterized by terrorism, insurgency, and widespread violence, has been exacerbated by corruption. Corruption undermines the effectiveness of security agencies, diverts resources away from critical security measures, and fosters an environment where criminal activities can thrive unchecked (Chukwuemeka & Ezeani, 2021). The interplay between corruption and insecurity has created a cycle where each issue perpetuates the other, challenging efforts to achieve stability and development.

Efforts by the EFCC to combat corruption are integral to addressing these broader security challenges. By targeting financial crimes and corrupt practices, the EFCC aims to disrupt the networks that facilitate insecurity and violence. However, the effectiveness of the EFCC’s efforts has been a subject of significant debate, with critics questioning its impact and operational efficiency (Adebayo & Ibrahim, 2022).

Understanding the relationship between corruption, insecurity, and the EFCC’s role in mitigating these issues is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of anti-corruption strategies and improving security outcomes in Nigeria. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how the EFCC’s initiatives influence the fight against both corruption and insecurity.

Previous studies have highlighted various aspects of the EFCC’s work, including its successes and shortcomings (Uche & Ajayi, 2019). However, there is a need for an updated and nuanced evaluation that considers the evolving nature of corruption and insecurity in Nigeria. This study will contribute to this understanding by focusing specifically on the EFCC’s impact on these intertwined issues.

The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative insights from key stakeholders. This methodology will provide a holistic view of the EFCC’s effectiveness and offer actionable recommendations for enhancing its role in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and insecurity.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Corruption and insecurity are two of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, each exacerbating the other and undermining efforts toward national development. Despite the establishment of the EFCC to address economic crimes and corruption, the country continues to grapple with high levels of insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. The persistence of these issues raises questions about the effectiveness of the EFCC’s interventions.

The EFCC’s role in combating corruption is crucial, but its effectiveness has been questioned due to allegations of inefficiency, political interference, and limited resources. There is a need to evaluate how the EFCC’s actions contribute to reducing corruption and whether these efforts translate into improved security conditions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for assessing the agency’s overall impact and identifying areas for improvement.

This study seeks to address the gap in knowledge regarding the relationship between the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts and the broader issue of insecurity in Nigeria. By examining the EFCC’s effectiveness in tackling corruption and its influence on security outcomes, the study aims to provide insights that can inform policy and practice.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives include assessing the EFCC’s effectiveness, examining its impact on security, identifying challenges it faces, and suggesting improvements for enhanced anti-corruption and security efforts.

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in combating corruption in Nigeria.
2. To assess the impact of the EFCC’s anti-corruption initiatives on security conditions in Nigeria.
3. To identify the challenges faced by the EFCC in its fight against corruption and their implications for national security.
4. To provide recommendations for enhancing the EFCC’s role in improving both anti-corruption and security efforts.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How effective is the EFCC in combating corruption in Nigeria?
2. What impact do the EFCC’s anti-corruption initiatives have on security conditions in Nigeria?
3. What are the main challenges faced by the EFCC in its fight against corruption?
4. How can the EFCC’s strategies be improved to better address both corruption and insecurity?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. First, it provides an in-depth analysis of the EFCC’s role in addressing corruption and its implications for national security. By evaluating the agency’s effectiveness, the study will contribute to a better understanding of its impact and inform policy decisions aimed at strengthening anti-corruption efforts.

Second, the study offers insights into the relationship between corruption and insecurity, highlighting how corruption undermines security and how addressing one can affect the other. This understanding is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies that address both issues simultaneously.

Third, the study will offer practical recommendations for improving the EFCC’s effectiveness. By identifying the challenges faced by the EFCC and suggesting ways to overcome them, the study aims to enhance the agency’s capacity to combat corruption and contribute to a more secure Nigeria.

Finally, the study will contribute to the academic literature on corruption, security, and anti-corruption agencies. It will provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding and addressing the complex interplay between corruption and insecurity.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focuses on the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and its role in combating corruption and improving security in Nigeria. The geographical scope of the study is limited to Nigeria, with a specific emphasis on the EFCC’s activities and impact on national security.

The study will examine the EFCC’s strategies, successes, and challenges in addressing corruption and how these factors influence security conditions. However, the study will not delve into the operations of other anti-corruption agencies or the broader political and economic context beyond the EFCC’s direct influence.

Additionally, while the study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis, it will be limited by the availability of data and the subjective nature of qualitative insights. The findings will be based on the information available at the time of the study and may not account for future developments.

1.7 Operational Definition of Key Terms

• Corruption: The abuse of entrusted power for private gain. This includes activities such as bribery, embezzlement, and fraud that undermine institutional integrity and public trust (Rose-Ackerman, 2018).
• Insecurity: A state of being unsafe or lacking protection, often characterized by threats such as terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime (Adeleke, 2019).
• Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC): A Nigerian government agency established to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, including corruption, money laundering, and fraud (EFCC, 2024).
• Anti-corruption Initiatives: Measures and strategies implemented to prevent, detect, and address corruption. This includes legal frameworks, enforcement actions, and public awareness campaigns (Transparency International, 2023).
• Security Conditions: The overall state of safety and protection within a country, including the prevalence of violence, crime rates, and the effectiveness of security agencies (Chukwuemeka & Ezeani, 2021).