Independent Thinking How can Nigeria tackle corruption?
Apr 16, 2025
Leena Koni Hoffmann, a notable researcher at Chatham House, discusses her extensive findings on corruption in Nigeria. She dives into the roots of this pervasive issue, revealing how historical governance influences have shaped its current state. The conversation sheds light on the role of religious institutions as moral leaders in the fight against corruption. Hoffmann emphasizes the need for accountable leadership and reform in the electoral process to restore public trust and promote integrity in governance.
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Corruption as a Societal Cancer
- Corruption is a systemic cancer that kills society and demands collective acknowledgement to be tackled.
- Nigeria is at a crossroads: it can galvanize collective action to fight corruption or descend into deeper endemic corruption.
Historical Roots of Corruption
- Nigeria's corruption roots lie in colonial bureaucracy, military rule, and oil resource rent-seeking.
- These factors concentrated power among elites lacking capacity, fueling endemic corruption.
Driving License Bribery Story
- Hadiza Bala-Usman shared how her father faced proper procedures unlike others who bribed for driver’s licenses.
- This shows how easy it is to do the wrong thing and how formal processes need demystifying.