By
King Wale AdeSanya
A Diasporan opinion of what is happening in Nigeria. The Dilemma of Kickbacks: Nigerian Civil Servants and Infrastructure Projects
Corruption has long plagued governments and hindered development across the globe, and Nigeria is no exception. One of the major issues faced by the Nigerian government is the prevalent practice of civil servants demanding kickbacks before awarding infrastructure projects to contractors. This unethical behavior not only perpetuates corruption but also poses significant challenges to the nation’s development aspirations. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this dilemma, its consequences, and potential solutions that the new Tinubu Administration should pay more attention to.
The Kickback Culture in Nigeria:
Kickbacks, also known as graft or bribes, have become an unfortunate norm in the Nigerian civil service at all levels of government. It occurs when civil servants, who are responsible for managing the allocation of infrastructure projects, demand monetary gains or favors from contractors bidding for these projects. This practice subverts the procurement process, as projects are not awarded based on merit or the social benefit they entail, but rather on the highest bidder or the one willing to offer the largest kickback.
We have heard stories of Civil servants asking up to 50% of the cost of the project upfront before awarding a road project. No wander our roads are in shambles after the rainy season. Do you blame the Contractor or the Civil Servant?
Consequences of Kickbacks:
Undermining development: Demand for kickbacks creates an environment where infrastructure projects are awarded based on the personal interests of civil servants rather than the needs of the population. This leads to substandard projects, delays, and even abandonment, hampering national development goals.
Economic losses: Kickbacks inflate project costs and drain resources that could have been allocated towards more projects or critical sectors such as healthcare and education. The high cost of kickbacks is often passed on to taxpayers, exacerbating economic inequality and reducing public trust in the government. This Tinubu Administration can change this.
Weakening institutions: The prevalence of kickbacks erodes public trust in government institutions, undermining their legitimacy and hindering efforts to foster an environment of good governance. This can lead to social unrest and lower investments from both domestic and foreign sources, further hampering Nigeria’s economic growth.
Addressing the Dilemma:
Stiffer penalties and enforcement: To curtail the practice of demanding kickbacks, Nigeria under PBAT must adopt more stringent penalties for corruption offenses and ensure their effective implementation. This includes conducting thorough investigations and prosecuting those found guilty of soliciting or offering bribes. Implement Whistle Blower channels.
Enhancing transparency and accountability: The government should institute robust measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement process. Making project details, bid evaluations, and contract awards publicly available can provide a level of transparency that discourages kickbacks and allows for public oversight. Diasporans can help build visual bidding platforms.
Strengthening anti-corruption agencies: Empowering agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with adequate resources, independence, and authority will enable them to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases related to kickbacks.
Promoting citizens’ participation: Encouraging citizens’ involvement in government decision-making processes can act as a deterrent to corruption. Engaging civil society organizations, community-based groups, and professional bodies in monitoring projects and reporting corruption can help expose wrongdoing and increase accountability. Introducing Construction Insurance for projects.
Leveraging technology: Implementing digital solutions such as e-procurement systems can streamline procurement processes, minimize human contact, and reduce opportunities for corruption. Digital platforms can also provide an audit trail, making it easier to identify and investigate cases of kickbacks.
Conclusion:
The demand for kickbacks by Nigerian civil servants before awarding infrastructure projects to contractors is a severe impediment to the country’s development and erodes public trust in the government. Tackling this dilemma requires a comprehensive approach that includes stricter penalties, increased transparency, and strengthening of anti-corruption agencies. These are low hanging fruits decisions that this Administration can quickly put in place. Additionally, empowering citizens to participate in monitoring and reporting corruption and leveraging technology can contribute to curbing this destructive practice.
By addressing and combating kickbacks, Nigeria can progress towards a more transparent, accountable, and sustainable governance system.
Credit | KWA
