The geographies of corruption in Nigeria: understanding the patterns and correlates

Abstract

Purpose Globally, corruption has been identified as a major problem. Even though corruption is widespread, it varies in magnitude, types and consequences. In Nigeria, corruption is endemic, and it is responsible for the many socioeconomic problems in the country. Hence, the study aims to determine the patterns and state level correlations of corruption in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Data for this study were sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics and other official sources and were analyzed with Global Moran’s I, Local Moran’s I and multivariate step-wise regression. Findings This study’s findings revealed significant clustering of corruption in the country with Rivers States as the only hotspot (I = 0.068; z = 2.524; p < 0.05), while domestic debt and market size were the state level significant predictors. Research limitations/implications Only bribery as a form of corruption was examined in this study, more studies are needed on the predictors of other forms of corruption. Practical implications This study recommends increased market competition through investment grants, subsidies and tax incentives to facilitate trade interactions among Nigerians, which can lead to exchange of cultural norms that discourage corruption. It is also advocated that domestic debt must be effectively and efficiently channelled towards economic development which in the long run will have a positive impact on the socio-economic well-being of the citizens as well as drive down corrupt practices. Originality/value Although the causes of corruption have received considerable attention in the literature, little is known on the geographical distribution and the effect of market size and domestic debt on corruption in Nigeria.

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“…Findings to objective one therefore showed that there appears to be some high level of corrupt practices in the country, Nigeria. In line with the findings of this study, Adeleke et al (2021) noted thus: In the world today, corruption is being identified as a terrible problem. Despite the fact that corruption is known to be widespread, it therefore varies in magnitude, also in types and consequences.…”

“…This is a task that the Nigerian library profession has taken on, and it is hoped that it will bear fruits. Corruption has been acknowledged as a big concern worldwide, according to Adeleke, Alabede, Osayomi, and Iyanda (2021). Despite the fact that corruption is pervasive, its extent, kinds, and repercussions vary.…”

When management and political business diverge: Surface eccentricity and the conceptual linkages

“…The nation's public sector is accordingly the engine room of massive corruption in the country. The incidence of public sector corruption in the national system of Nigeria is simply indefinable and gargantuan (Ani Casimir, 2014;Okolo & Raymond, 2014;Ijewereme, 2015;Ugbomhe et al2018;Ogunlana, 2019;Kupoluyi et al2020;Onyekwere et al 2020;Adeleke et al 2021).…”