Project Abstract

Abstract
Corruption has been a long-standing issue in Nigeria, posing a significant threat to sustainable economic development. This research focuses on the Ministry of Agriculture in Nigeria as a case study to investigate the impact of corruption on economic development. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders in the Ministry of Agriculture. Quantitative data will be collected to assess the financial losses due to corrupt practices within the ministry, while qualitative interviews will provide insights into the underlying causes and consequences of corruption. The findings of the study are expected to shed light on the extent of corruption within the Ministry of Agriculture and its implications for sustainable economic development in Nigeria. By identifying specific corrupt practices and their impacts, policymakers and stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to address corruption and promote transparency and accountability within the ministry. Addressing corruption in the Ministry of Agriculture is crucial for fostering sustainable economic development in Nigeria. Corruption not only leads to financial losses but also hampers the effectiveness of agricultural policies and programs, ultimately affecting food security, rural livelihoods, and overall economic growth. The research also aims to explore the role of political will and institutional frameworks in combating corruption within the ministry. By understanding the systemic issues that enable corrupt practices to persist, recommendations can be made to strengthen anti-corruption measures and enforcement mechanisms. Overall, this research contributes to the existing literature on corruption in Nigeria and its impact on economic development. By focusing on a specific case study within the Ministry of Agriculture, the study provides valuable insights that can inform policy interventions and institutional reforms to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in public administration. The findings of this research are expected to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption on sustainable economic development and highlight the importance of combating corruption at all levels of government. By addressing corruption in the Ministry of Agriculture and implementing anti-corruption measures, Nigeria can create a more conducive environment for economic growth, investment, and poverty reduction.

Project 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