Nigeria is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich history and traditions; however, some problems need to be addressed to make it an even better place for everyone to live. One significant issue is insecurity, especially in the northern part of the country. But what causes this insecurity?

According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, one of the root causes is corrupt governance by the leaders. He made this assertion at the 10th Annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation lecture and award hosted by Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri. The Vice President was addressing the abuse of power and the problems of crime and insecurity in the country.

Nexus between Corruption and Insecurity

Corruption is like a weed that grows and spreads, influencing governance and security and significantly impacting the welfare of a nation by undermining the trust between leaders and citizens, weakening institutions, and contributing to social and economic disparities, ultimately making life difficult for the country’s inhabitants. When leaders are corrupt, it means they are abusing their power. Instead of serving the people, they exploit their positions for personal gain, leading to issues such as insecurity and banditry, which make it difficult for everyone to feel safe.

Voices from the Ground

In separate interviews with Saturday Vanguard, the residents stated that the prevalent insecurity, particularly kidnappings, is a significant concern. Living in the suburbs, the majority of the residents expressed profound fear following recent kidnapping incidents involving community members, which disrupted their daily routines and instilled a pervasive sense of unease.

The constant worry for family safety permeates various aspects of life, from work and school to overall security, highlighting the palpable impact of insecurity on individuals and neighborhoods. Moreover, corruption compounds the challenges faced by the residents, as it undermines law enforcement effectiveness and compromises community safety. Residents lament how corrupt practices erode trust in authorities and perpetuate feelings of insecurity within the community. They emphasize the need for robust anti-corruption measures to hold leaders accountable, promote transparency, and restore trust.

An automobile mechanic in Abuja, who simply gave his name as Daddy Anna, shared his experiences with Saturday Vanguard. He said, “I live in Ketti, which is a part of Abuja. There have been more kidnappings happening around here, and it’s making everyone really scared. Just last month, my big brother, who drives a taxi, got kidnapped, and it made everyone in our neighborhood really worried.”

When asked how this has changed his daily life, he said, “We’re always worried about our families’ safety now. We feel scared all the time, and it’s affecting how we do our jobs, how our children go to school, and our safety in general. We’re always afraid that we could be the next ones to be kidnapped.”

Regarding the impact of corruption on his life and the community, Daddy Anna added, “Corruption really hurts us, especially when it comes to keeping us safe. Corruption make the police and other people who are supposed to protect us not to be good at their jobs, and this makes it hard for us to trust the people in charge and makes us feel less secure.”

In a somber tone, 39-year-old Ismail Sani from Bukkuyum LGA in Zamfara state now sells sachet water on the streets of Abuja to make ends meet. He shared a story about how governance corruption has significantly worsened living conditions and contributed to the rise of insecurity and banditry.

Speaking in Hausa, Sani said: “It’s hard to put into words the sufferings that our community in Zamfara has endured because of corruption and the resulting insecurity. When corrupt officials embezzle funds meant for security and development, it is we, the ordinary people, who bear the consequences. We’ve experienced the terror of bandit attacks, the fear of leaving our homes, and the heartache of seeing our loved ones harmed. “Back in Zamfara, I used to be a successful farmer, but now I can’t even go to my farm because the bandits have taken over. Before I came to Abuja, I was always worried and unsure about what might happen next.

“In the North, there’s a lot of banditry and people are not following the rules, and it’s making us feel scared and alone. We feel like the people who are supposed to keep us safe have let us down.” When asked what can be done to make things better, he said: “We need leaders who care about us and want to stop the root causes of insecurity. “We also need to make sure our police and other security operatives are honest. If we put more money into making our communities safer, helping children go to school, and creating jobs for young people, we can all start feeling hopeful and safe again.”

Challenges in tackling corruption

Challenges in tackling corruption in Nigeria are deeply rooted and pose significant obstacles to effective anti-corruption measures. The entrenched nature of corruption, with its historical, cultural, and systemic dimensions, makes it difficult to eradicate.

Moreover, there are political implications and resistance to anti-corruption efforts, as corrupt practices often serve the interests of powerful individuals and groups. This resistance can manifest in the form of legal obstacles, political manoeuvring, and public scepticism about the effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives.

Additionally, the interplay of socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and inequality, further complicate the anti-corruption agenda, as these conditions can perpetuate corrupt practices and make it challenging to implement comprehensive reforms. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the systemic and cultural aspects of corruption while navigating the complex political landscape in the region.

So, what can the government do to address this problem?

Potential Solutions

To address corruption and improve governance in Nigeria, potential solutions include the strengthening of anti-corruption institutions and the implementation of transparency and accountability initiatives.

Speaking on the matter, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, made a terse remark: “It is important that law enforcement agencies, which are critical to our collective security, prosperity, and general well-being, are provided with the necessary facilities to ensure their welfare and efficiency.”

He further emphasized that by enhancing the capacity, independence, and effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies, the country can better investigate and prosecute corruption cases, thereby creating a deterrent effect. Similarly, transparency and accountability initiatives, such as open governance, public oversight and access to information, can help promote integrity in public institutions and reduce opportunities for corrupt practices. Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman of Kwara state believes that these measures can empower citizens to hold leaders accountable and contribute to building a culture of transparency and ethical conduct. He, however, maintained that implementing these solutions requires sustained political will, institutional reform, and public participation to effect meaningful change in the fight against corruption and insecurity.

He said, “The fight against corruption is a national campaign we must all support, especially at institutional levels. “Erecting strong mechanisms to prevent the commission of crime; having the right legal framework and networks to checkmate corrupt practices and striking the right balance between the public’s right to know of anti-corruption efforts of government and actually recovering looted funds through strategic partnerships have been a bold feature of President Tinubu’s agenda to fight graft in a sustainable way.”

When speaking to Saturday Vanguard, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed concern, stating, “The alarming level of acceptance of corrupt practices, particularly cybercrime, as the easiest route to wealth and a flamboyant lifestyle among our youth is concerning. “One may ask, is it still possible to reverse this ugly trend in Nigeria? The answer is yes, it is possible, through the collaborative efforts of all. By instilling strong moral values in our youth through our religious institutions, we can raise a generation that is resistant to corruption and committed to building a just and equitable society. “I would like to urge Government at all levels to strengthen the Justice system in Nigeria to indict and discipline any established act of corruption in order to give strong support to this campaign against corruption in our dear nation.”

Mr. Akintunde Babalola, the Executive Director of Integrity Watch Nigeria, also shared his views on how corruption can be tackled to improve the situation. He said, “We need to hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency. Strong anti-corruption measures are essential for restoring trust and promoting a safer environment. It’s time for our leaders to prioritize integrity and take decisive action against corrupt practices.”

Case studies of successful anti-corruption measures

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act of 2004 is an essential piece of legislation which empowers the EFCC to investigate, prosecute, and prevent offences such as money laundering, fraud, corruption, and cybercrime. The Act grants the EFCC substantial powers to seize assets, freeze accounts, and prosecute offenders, fostering a more robust and comprehensive approach to tackling financial crimes. In addition to legislative measures, there have been successful prosecutions of high-level targets for corruption in Nigeria, demonstrating a commitment to holding individuals accountable for corrupt practices.

The cases currently under investigation include the following individuals: former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, who is on trial for a $6 billion fraud; former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, who is under investigation for a N37 billion contract and procurement fraud; suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, who is under investigation for a N17 billion fraud; suspended National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, who is under investigation for a N44.8 billion fraud; former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is on trial for N1.9 billion and $6.2 million fraud; former Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano, who is facing trial for N4 billion money laundering charges; and Charles Ugwu, former Minister of Commerce and Industry, who is under investigation for a N3.5 billion intervention fund fraud.

Within 100 days of assuming office, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, announced that the agency had secured 747 convictions across its 14 zonal commands, with Lagos leading the way with 218 convictions, closely followed by Ibadan with 121 convictions. Additionally, during this period, the agency successfully recovered N60.9 billion, $10.5 million, £150,000, and €4,120. These successes underscore the importance of robust legal frameworks and effective law enforcement in combating corruption. However, there are still ongoing challenges in the effectiveness of existing policies, as the endemic corruption continues to erode the rule of law.

Policy recommendations for tackling corruption

A sustainable anti-corruption strategy should focus on societal shifts in social norms and behaviors, preventive initiatives, and increased citizen participation. It is recommended to employ collaborative approaches involving both state and non-state actors, leveraging technology and social media, and applying regulations and sanctions systematically against those who depart from them.

Mike Atuchukwu, a legal practitioner with extensive experience in addressing legal matters related to corruption, emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address systemic corruption issues and hold those engaged in corrupt practices accountable.

“Addressing corruption effectively requires comprehensive strategies that focus on reforming key areas such as public procurement, asset recovery, enforcement of existing laws, and revitalization of existing agencies,” he said.

In a similar vein, Prof. Charles Nweke, a lecturer in the Public Administration Department at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, emphasized the crucial role of strategic public education in shifting mindsets and promoting integrity. He stressed the need to communicate the damaging impacts of corruption, especially among the younger generation. “Effective public education is essential to create a positive change in attitude and demonstrate the damaging effects of corruption, especially among young people,” he said. Prof. Nweke highlighted that by instilling ethical values and awareness, societies can actively combat corruption and lay the foundation for a more transparent and accountable future.

Conclusion:

The link between corruption and insecurity in Northern Nigeria is undeniable and deeply entrenched. The cycle of corruption undermines security, weakens institutions, and perpetuates public distrust, posing significant roadblocks to sustainable development and peace. Urgent action is necessary to break this cycle and create a more secure and transparent Nigeria.

Governments, civil society, and citizens must unite in collective action against corruption. Sustainable change requires a comprehensive commitment to anti-corruption measures, with a focus on policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and citizen engagement. By addressing corruption, we can pave the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all in Nigeria.