Corruption, the State and the Challenge of Social Stability in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria, and indeed many African countries, rank high on both the corruption and failed state indices. This means that there is high incidence of corruption and more likelihood of social instability. Beside the feed back loop between corruption and social instability, scholars use different approaches to make sense of the endemic nature of corruption and the volatility of the Nigerian polity. One of such approaches is the underdevelopment theory which focuses mainly on socio-economic factors. Another approach focuses on cultural issues. Without denying the usefulness of these approaches, it is my view that the mode of introduction of the State as the socio-political structure for organizing society and the nature of the relationship that has developed between the State and the Nigerian society contribute to the endemic nature of corruption and the social instability that plagues the country. A healthier Nigerian polity can only emerge if these elements are reviewed and corrected.