Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Corruption in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue that has posed a significant threat to sustainable economic development. This research project focuses on the Ministry of Agriculture as a case study to examine the extent of corruption within government institutions and its impact on economic growth in Nigeria. The study aims to analyze the various forms of corruption prevalent in the Ministry of Agriculture, including embezzlement, bribery, and favoritism, and assess how these corrupt practices hinder the effective implementation of agricultural policies and programs. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, data will be collected from government reports, interviews with key stakeholders, and surveys of employees within the Ministry of Agriculture to gain insights into the root causes and consequences of corruption in the sector. The research will also explore the role of political interference and lack of transparency in facilitating corrupt practices within the ministry. Furthermore, the study will investigate the implications of corruption on sustainable economic development in Nigeria, particularly in the agriculture sector. By analyzing the misallocation of resources, inefficiencies in service delivery, and negative impact on investor confidence caused by corruption, the research aims to highlight the urgent need for anti-corruption reforms in the Ministry of Agriculture and across the Nigerian government. The findings of this research project are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, civil society organizations, and international partners working to combat corruption in Nigeria. By identifying specific areas of weakness within the Ministry of Agriculture and proposing targeted recommendations for reform, this study seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the Nigerian public sector. In conclusion, corruption in Nigeria, particularly within the Ministry of Agriculture, poses a serious threat to sustainable economic development. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root causes of corruption, strengthens institutional safeguards, and promotes a culture of integrity and accountability. Through this research project, we hope to shed light on the challenges posed by corruption and advocate for meaningful reforms that will pave the way for a more transparent and prosperous future for Nigeria.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION
1.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Amuwo (2005) and Obayelu (2007) consider corruption as the exploitation of public position, resources and power for private gain. Fieldstad&Isaksen (2008, p. 3) and Ogundiya (2009, p. 5) define corruption as “the betrayal of public trust for individual or sectional gain.” Obayelu went further to identify corruption as “efforts to secure wealth or power through illegal means for private gain at public expense; or a misuse of power for private benefit.” Corruption covers a broad spectrum of activities ranging from fraud (the through misrepresentation), embezzlement (misappropriation of corporate or public funds) to bribery (payments made in order to gain an advantage or to avoid a disadvantage). From a political point of view, Aiyede (2006, p. 5) views corruption as “the abuse or misuse of public or governmental power for illegitimate private advantages.” His view corroborates the position of Lipset and Lenz (2000) that corruption is an effort to secure wealth or power through illegal means for private benefit at public expense. Tanzi(1998) adds that such abuse of public power may not necessarily be for one’s private benefit but for the benefit of one’s party, class, tribe, or family. Although corruption is global in scope, it is more pronounced in developing societies because of their weak institutions. It is minimal in developed nations because of existing institutional control mechanisms which are more developed and effective.
The effects of corruption on a nation’s economy are damaging. A nation inundated with corruption cannot be viable economically; neither can the system generate enough support/ affection required for the survival of democratic system. This is a situation inNigeria where corruption has become part and parcel of the political culture. Corruption has indeed robbed Nigerians the benefit of economic development because scarce available resources that should have been deployed to execute development project have gone into private foreign accounts. Corruption is widespread in Nigeria, not because the people are different from other parts of the world, but because the conditions are ripe for it. There are many reasons why this is so. The motivation to earn income from among the populace is relatively stronger; exacerbated by poverty, unemployment and low
wages. In many developing countries Nigeria inclusive, accountability is generally weak. Political competition and civil liberties are restricted. Laws and principles of ethics in governance are poorly developed and the legal institutions charged with enforcing them are ill-prepared. The research seeks to investigate corruption in Nigeria as a threat to sustainable Economic development using Ministry of Agriculture as a case study