Introduction
Corruption is the greatest single threat to any nation’s development. It is a systemic cancer that eats away at institutions, discourages innovation, demoralizes honest citizens, and ultimately cripples national progress. In Nigeria, corruption has taken deep root, not just in politics, but in everyday systems of finance, law enforcement, and governance.
When Impunity Becomes Culture
Years ago, I publicly advocated for capital punishment for high-level corruption particularly targeted at high-profile individuals who openly flaunt enormous, untraceable wealth. These are often leaders, both public and private organisations who loot with impunity. At the time, my proposal seemed extreme. Today, it appears prescient.
A disturbing trend has emerged where employees in banking, insurance, and investment institutions now steal depositors’ funds without fear of punishment. Regulatory agencies, when they respond at all, often do so with soft slaps on the wrist. This failure of accountability is poisoning our national character which now teaching the youth that success comes not through integrity, but through manipulation and exploitation.
When Thieves Become Role Models
Just recently, a former state governor who is young and well-connected celebrated a milestone birthday. Our publication was invited to publish a glowing tribute, celebrating him as a “symbol of good governance” and “role model” for the youth. We refused.
Why? Because this individual is currently evading arrest on corruption charges, after presiding about a decade of plunder and fiscal irresponsibility. Glorifying him sends a dangerous signal that looting the public purse is not only acceptable, but admirable.
The Economic Foundation of Corruption
To fight corruption, we must first address the structural causes. One of the greatest enablers of dishonesty in public service is poverty-level wages.
Consider this: a police officer who risks his life daily, armed and entrusted with public safety, earns a salary that barely feeds his family for a week. Is it any wonder that extortion and bribery are rampant? Is it realistic to expect procurement officers, clerks, and messengers that are entrusted with financial processes to resist temptation when they are grossly underpaid and undervalued?
It’s not just survival. It’s injustice.
The proposed ₦75,000 minimum wage is not only inadequate, it is insulting in today’s Nigeria. No Nigerian worker should earn less than ₦250,000 monthly, considering the cost of living, inflation, and daily realities. Paying less is a direct incentive for corruption.
The Greed of the Political Class
While some civil servants are driven to corruption out of economic desperation, the political class steals out of greed. Most enter politics already wealthy; they leave even wealthier, having exploited state resources with impunity.
Worse still, their stolen wealth often goes unchecked. Many remain in circulation where it is recycled into new political positions, celebrated by their parties, protected by flawed systems and sadly the Nigerians whom their criminality affects most.
The Way Forward
If we are serious about development, we must be serious about fighting corruption. This means:
✅ Enforce Living Wages
A national minimum wage of ₦250,000 is the starting point for restoring dignity to public service. Only then can we justifiably hold workers to the highest standards.
✅ Stiff, Public Penalties
We must create visible deterrents. Public prosecution, televised sentencing and in extreme cases, capital punishment should be on the table. Until the consequences of corruption outweigh the rewards, change will not come.
✅ Reform Political Access
No former governor should return as a senator. Leadership must be rotated. A single six-year term for the president and governors would eliminate the obsession with re-election and reduce political manipulation.
Conclusion
Corruption is not just a political issue, it is a national emergency. It affects education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public trust. It robs millions to benefit a few. It must be dealt with swiftly, firmly, and courageously.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. We must choose between enabling looters or empowering citizens. But we cannot do both.
By Engr. Bola Babarinde, South Africa.
