Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Corruption in Nigeria poses a significant threat to sustainable economic development, with detrimental effects on various sectors, including the Ministry of Agriculture. This research project focuses on investigating the impact of corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture in Nigeria and its implications for sustainable economic growth. The study employs a case study approach to analyze the pervasive nature of corruption within the ministry and its consequences on agricultural development and overall economic progress. The research utilizes both primary and secondary data sources to explore the intricate web of corrupt practices within the Ministry of Agriculture, ranging from embezzlement of funds to bribery and favoritism in contract awards. By examining specific case studies of corrupt activities within the ministry, the research seeks to uncover the underlying causes and drivers of corruption and assess its impact on the effectiveness of agricultural policies and programs. Furthermore, the study delves into the broader implications of corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture on sustainable economic development in Nigeria. It highlights how corrupt practices undermine transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the agricultural sector, leading to suboptimal outcomes in terms of food security, rural livelihoods, and overall economic growth. The research also explores the linkages between corruption in the agriculture sector and broader issues such as poverty, inequality, and social unrest. In addition, the project investigates the existing legal and institutional frameworks aimed at combating corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture and assesses their effectiveness. By analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of anti-corruption measures, the research aims to provide recommendations for enhancing transparency and accountability within the ministry and promoting sustainable economic development in Nigeria. Overall, this research project contributes to the ongoing discourse on the detrimental impact of corruption on economic development in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the Ministry of Agriculture. By shedding light on the prevalence and consequences of corrupt practices within the ministry, the study aims to raise awareness, stimulate dialogue, and inform policy decisions aimed at combating corruption and fostering sustainable economic growth in the agricultural sector.

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