AN ASSESSMENT OF THE INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR DEALING WITH CORRUPTION IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SERVICE, 1999-2020

ABSTRACT

One of the major challenges of governance in Nigeria is corruption especially in the public service. In response to this challenge, the Federal Government established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability. Over the years however, the fight against corruption seems not to have achieved the desired result. The general objective of the study was to assess the institutional mechanism for dealing with corruption in the Nigerian public service for the period 1999 – 2020. Specifically, the study; examine the level of effectiveness of the anti- corruption institutions in combating corruption in federal public service, identify the problems faced by the institutions and suggest ways to make them more effective. Data were sourced using both primary and secondary methods. These were presented and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The study revealed inter alia that; the activities of the institutions, especially the EFCC were severely constrained by undue political interference. Both the ICPC and CCB were not adequately funded and that they all lacked financial autonomy. The study also discovered that punishments for corruption offences were not severe enough to serve deterrence. The study concludes that an increase in the level of autonomy of the anti-corruption institutions and an increase in the level of enforcement of punishments for corruption offences will among other things improve the level of effectiveness of the anti-corruption institutions. The study recommended that the anti-corruption institutions need to be free from political interference and be adequatelyfunded including giving severe punishments for corruption offences