Abbas outlines why Nigerian corruption persists

Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, outlined why preventing corruption in Nigeria has grown to be a challenging challenge.

This was stated by the Speaker on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing at a Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social Norms, and Behavioural Change event organised by the Independent Corrupt Practises and Other Related Offences Commission.

The legislator claims that the high amount of corruption in the government’s inner circles has significantly impeded the nation’s capacity to realise its full potential.

This, he said, was due to the fact that a number of elements, including societal norms, expectations, attitudes, and poor governance institutions as well as a lack of transparency, have continuously made significant contributions to the persistence of corruption in Nigeria.

“Despite this recognition, certain corruption-inducing behaviours, norms, attitudes, and expectations persist within our society, which helps to support and sustain corrupt practises,” he stated.

Inadequate governance, a lack of accountability and transparency, poverty, and the cultural acceptance of corrupt behaviour are just a few of the reasons that have contributed to the growth of corruption in Nigeria.

“While we have laws, rules, and institutions to combat corruption, it is my considered opinion that corruption still festers as a result of prevalent social attitudes towards riches, celebrity, power, and success regardless of how they are attained.

“Cutting off an evil tree’s root rather than trimming its branches is how to combat corruption. This strategy relies on behaviour and social norms. After all, avoidance is preferable to cure.

As a result, changing societal norms and behaviours is also necessary to eliminate corruption, in addition to legal and institutional reforms.