Cultural values and the fight against corruption in Nigeria

Obi Josephat Oguejiofor

Abstract


Corruption is a universal phenomenon but no doubt one of the most intractable problems that hinder development in Nigeria. This paper examines the issue of corruption, and affirms that it has reached an extra-ordinary level in the Nigerian society. It explores some reasons why the country has degenerated so deeply into corruption, and argues that the level of corruption correlates to the level of underdevelopment and thus that the most corrupt countries of the world are also the most underdeveloped. Using hermeneutics it delves into the meaning of culture, its values and its influence in the human society and suggests that given the habituation of the Nigerian polity with corruption in its many ramifications, the best way to fight corruption is to attempt a trans-valuation of Nigerian values; build strong institution not strong men, create honest and efficient public officers and encourage creative rather than acquisitive impulses.

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