ABSTRACT
All over the world, no country has been adjusted to be totally free from any iota of
corruption. Even in the Bible I Sam. Chapter 8 v 1 – 4, the two sons of Samuel, - Joel
and Abijah took bribe and perverted justice. Monumental corruption holds sway in
Nigeria.
The researcher’s study is to find how the two anti-graft agencies – ICPC and EFCC
have performed towards eradicating corruption in Nigeria since their inauguration in
year 2000 and 2002 respectively. The background of the study dealt extensively on
previous efforts made by previous Governments to reduce corruption and all to no
avail until in 2000 and 2002 when the two commissions were inaugurated by
President Obasanjo. The scope is limited to two commissions ICPC and EFCC while
other anti-corruption agencies like NDLEA, SSS, Customs, Civil Defense, Police,
Prison Services were not studied.
Chapter two centered on concept, origin of corruption, history of EFCC and ICPC,
missions of the two anti-graft commissions, their Operational structures, their
functions, categories of people that have rights to report cases of corruption to ICPC
and EFCC, types of cases to be reported upon, types of offences and punishments.
Different comments on corruption in Nigeria by renowned scholars, monumental
corruptions in different sectors in Nigeria like NEPA, Police, Public Service,
Presidency, among various politicians, NNPC were discussed. Other issues discussed
are negative consequences of corruption in Nigeria, causes, types of corruption, why
corruption persists in Nigeria and the effects on the society generally and other basic
indicators of corruption as commented by other scholars. Chapter three dealt on
research methodology, design, population of the study, sample size determination,
sample techniques, hypotheses, procedures for the administration of questionnaire and
procedures for statistical analysis. Population is 1,200, while sample size is 300.
Chapter four centered on analysis of demographic variables of the respondents,
assessment on causes, effects, functional differences, factors militating against
effective performances of the two commissions. Five hypotheses were tested in line
with five objectives of the study and five related research questions. Corruption has
brought negative consequences like breeding of injustice, mediocrity, poor service
delivery, lopsided and uneven developments, brain drain, short life expectancy, ethnic
militia, civil agitation and unrest, increased rate of crimes and violence. To ensure
effective performance of the two commissions, there is need to put in place legal
constitutions to be revised periodically, no political or government interference.
There should be adequate funding, logistics support, high level of cooperation from
all and sundry to support corruption eradication. There is need for sensitization,
awareness creation, entrenching morality and social values. Religious leaders should
intensify their preaching on ethical issues and Christian ethos. There are specific
functions of the two commissions. However, there are areas of functional conflicts.
Finally, in chapter five, discussions of findings showed that poor funding, poor
working conditions in public offices, inordinate and mundane ambitions account for
high rate of corruption in Nigeria. Others are deprivations, overstaying in offices,
misallocations of resources etc. Finally, conclusions were made while
recommendations centered on ways to make the two commissions more viable to
eradicate corruption since righteousness exalts a nation (Proverb 14:34). We have no
other country than Nigeria and we have to stay here and salvage it together through
collective efforts to eradicate corruption and by supporting the efforts of anti-graft
agencies.
