ABSTRACT
There is little doubt that corruption features as one of the prominent explanations of Nigeria’s development challenges. It is usually seen as both pervasive and deep-rooted in the country. However, this chapter focuses on political corruption which is about the negative impact of corruption on the process of governance, politics and public administration. This form of corruption, which embodies the abuse of power, utilization of political position for private gains, appropriation of public spheres for private ends, mediocrity and patronage, among others, undermines productive planning and development. While not diminishing the existence of generalized corruption, the chapter argues that development initiatives over time have been robbed of impetus and impact by corruption in critical political and public spheres. The chapter also examines the theoretical explanations of corruption. While acknowledging the ongoing efforts at tackling corruption in Nigeria, it sees these as neither sufficient nor totally apolitical. However, it contends that bringing corruption to the front-burner of national discourse, as is now the case, remains a good step in the direction of tackling the hydra-headed problem of corruption which has hindered Nigeria’s development over the years.
