Anti-Corruption Agencies and Eradication of Corruption in Nigeria

Abstract

Corruption has been identified in the literature as one of the major factors hindering the development of nations like ours. Hence, the study investigated activities of anti-corruption agencies such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, with Code of Conduct Bureau and Money Laundering Act in eradicating corruption in Nigeria. With the use of survey research design, primary data were sourced through the administration of 150 questionnaires to the staffs of EFCC and ICPC across the Western States in Nigeria. These were analyzed using tables, frequencies and chi-square methods. It was found that, the activities of anti-corruption agencies have significantly helped in eradicating corruption in Nigeria, much more with the existence of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Money Laundering Act. However, much is expected from ICPC because it was found to be sluggish in their activities in eradicating corruption in Nigeria.  It was concluded that, though fighting corruption, both at the low and high places in Nigeria, seems to be highly tasking, the anti- corruption agencies roles in eradicating corruption cannot be overemphasized. It is therefore recommended that, adequate funds and facilities should be provided for the agencies so as to enable they perform their roles efficiently. More importantly, qualified and non-political personnel should be recruited into the commission, and a special court should be set up to fast-track the trial and prosecution of any individual found or caught with any form of corruption in Nigeria.