Joy Agwunobi & Cynthia Ezekwe
The Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), a pioneering institution focused on the development of forward-thinking professionals, has highlighted the urgent need for innovative strategies to address the deeply ingrained issue of corruption in various sectors of the country.
The institute made the call recently at a public lecture titled, “The Anatomy of Corruption” in Lagos. The event emphasised the importance of open dialogue and critical analysis, while dissecting the intricate complexities of corruption, exploring its various forms – such as bribery, embezzlement, and favouritism, and examining its far-reaching implications on society.
Addressing a diverse audience of scholars, professionals, and concerned citizens at the event, Anthony Kila, the CIAPS director and professor of strategy and development, offered a nuanced analysis of corruption in Nigeria. Kila observed that corruption is often viewed as the primary explanation for various problems plaguing Nigeria, such as scarcity, bad roads, poor education, and inadequate healthcare. This view, he argued, assumes corruption to be the sole cause of these issues, while overlooking other underlying factors.
Expanding on the multifaceted nature of corruption, Kila, identified extortion as a form of corruption that often goes unnoticed. He discussed how this crime manifests in various aspects of society, posing significant challenges to economic growth and personal well-being. Extortion, according to Kila, occurs when individuals in positions of authority, such as uniformed personnel, misuse their power to coerce others into paying bribes or acting against their will. This form of corruption, he noted, not only hampers development but also has severe emotional repercussions on victims, including humiliation and distress.
The CIAPS director also addressed the issue of nepotism, which involves individuals in positions of public trust abusing their power for personal gain, noting that this not only undermines progress but also humiliates others and erodes meritocracy. He explained further that nepotism has fostered a culture where building connections takes precedence over hard work and integrity, leading to disillusionment and questioning the value of being good and hardworking. Furthermore, he asserted that nepotism warrants particular attention due to its distinct nature and far-reaching consequences, which can damage institutions and compromise competence.
The professor of strategy and development, also drew attention to the importance of distinguishing abuse of office from nepotism. He explained that abuse of office extends beyond merely promoting unqualified individuals or embezzling funds; it encompasses misusing authority for personal gain or engaging in unethical behaviour that undermines the authority and competence of the office itself, hindering overall development.
Kila also emphasised the importance of adhering to the rule of law, particularly in public offices, highlighting that not following the rule of law is a form of corruption. According to him, while love and faith are essential in personal relationships, public officials must be guided by the law, which serves as a guarantee, protection, and framework for their actions.
Furthermore, the CIAPS director identified the politicisation of national issues as another form of corruption. He argued that prioritising political affiliations over objective truth undermines the ability to effectively address problems and make informed decisions. Kila stressed the need to distinguish between right and wrong, regardless of political affiliations, emphasising that the politicisation of issues has led to a loss of ability to call a spade a spade.
The CIAPS director also shed light on the enablers of corruption. He identified weak institutions with undefined goals and objectives as a key driver of corruption, highlighting the need to build strong institutions that uphold a moral judicial system.
Kila noted that the absence of accountability is another significant enabler of corruption. According to Kila, Nigeria can effectively combat corruption and promote economic growth by fostering accountability in both the public and private sectors.
Kila identified serendipity, or “unmerited favour,” as a significant driver of corruption. He argued that the pursuit of magical miracles has led to widespread incompetence in various Nigerian organisations.
Kila also identified sectionalism, which involves prioritising loyalty to one’s region over the country as a whole, as a driver of corruption. Additionally, he noted that the absence of a corporate ethos in the business community hinders a nation’s ability to thrive.
Other enablers of corruption mentioned by Kila include conformism and a deficient reward and recognition system. He emphasised the importance of fostering diversity and eccentricity within society and called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s reward and recognition system to effectively tackle corruption and cultivate a more ethical society.
Speaking on the antidotes to corruption, the CIAPS director said, “We need to review our cost of living. We either increase our revenue or reduce our spending. We also need to insist on accountability, because it is a crucial avenue to reduce the rate of corruption.’’
Kila also dwelt on the necessity for Nigerians to embrace rationality in order to effectively address corruption. He highlighted the link between irrational behaviour and corruption, calling for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s reward and recognition system. In addition to advocating for a more rational approach, Kila stressed the importance of awakening corporate Nigeria and upholding the rule of law. He urged the government to adopt a comprehensive strategy to eradicate corruption at all levels of society, ultimately fostering a flourishing nation across various sectors.
“We need to find a way to decentralise authority, dissolve power, and digitalise our system, so that it does not give room to chaos. However, competence is needed across the sectors of the Nigerian economy, to facilitate economic growth and fight corruption at all levels,’’ he added.
