I recently listened to a fascinating discussion between Fareed Zakaria and a Chinese economist regarding corruption in China. The economist made a crucial distinction, labeling Chinese corruption as primarily a “political problem,” not an “economic problem.” His rationale was that while corruption certainly undermined the integrity of the Chinese government, it didn’t necessarily halt economic progress. Projects, by and large, still got built, albeit with government officials and their cronies taking a “small cut”, a percentage off the top. The infamous “Madam Tien Percent,” the wife of former Indonesian leader Suharto, serves as a reminder of this model. Despite such practices, the Indonesian economy experienced periods of significant growth until the Asian Financial Crisis. Even the ongoing anti-corruption drive under Xi Jinping in China, and the zero-tolerance stance of the late Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore, highlight a focus on the corrosive political impact of corruption.
However, reflecting on this conversation through the Nigerian lens reveals a stark troubling contrast. When we talk of corruption in Nigeria, we are not discussing the same phenomenon. In many parts of the world, as the Chinese economist described, despite the insidious nature of graft, tangible outcomes, roads, bridges, schools – often materialize. The project gets done, even if some pockets are lined along the way.
In Nigeria, the very essence of political engagement often appears to be predicated on corrupt enrichment. Whether a project is completed, shoddily executed, or outrightly abandoned seems almost secondary. The primary objective often appears to be the acquisition and distribution of public funds for personal gain. This isn’t just a leak in the system; its like the system itself is designed as a conduit for illicit wealth accumulation.
Consider, for instance, the countless infrastructure projects across Nigeria that remain unfinished despite billions of Naira allocated. Roads that were meant to connect communities lie in disrepair, hospitals meant to save lives remain mere blueprints, and schools meant to educate future generations stand as dilapidated structures. The funds, invariably, have been “spent.” Where did they go? The answer often lies in a labyrinth of inflated contracts, phantom projects, and outright embezzlement, implicating officials across the spectrum, from the presidency and the hallowed halls of the Senate and Judiciary, down to state governors and local government functionaries.
This isn’t the “tiny percentage” skimming seen elsewhere. This is often a wholesale looting of the treasury, leaving behind a trail of underdevelopment and broken promises. It’s not just a political problem that erodes trust in governance; it’s a profound economic problem that stifles growth, exacerbates poverty, and denies millions of Nigerians the basic necessities of life.
Think about the power sector, where billions have been invested, yet Nigerians still grapple with erratic electricity supply. Or the oil and gas sector, the supposed backbone of the nation’s economy, perpetually plagued by allegations of massive fraud and mismanagement, especially the NNPC. These aren’t isolated incidents; they paint a systemic picture where the pursuit of personal wealth often eclipses the responsibility of public service.
The suggestion that Nigerian politicians should simply “chop small, but do the work” feels almost naive in this context. The ingrained culture of impunity and the perceived lack of consequences have fostered a climate where self-enrichment appears to be the primary motivation for seeking public office.
To move forward, Nigeria needs a fundamental shift. Corruption must not just be frowned upon; it must be met with genuine fear of repercussions. This requires a robust and independent judiciary, a truly empowered anti-corruption apparatus, and a societal shift where accountability is not just a word but a lived reality.
The examples from China under Xi and Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew underscore the importance of a leadership that not only speaks against corruption but actively and ruthlessly combats it. Nigeria desperately needs such a transformative force, one that prioritizes the collective good over individual gain and instills a genuine fear of the consequences of corruption in the hearts of its leaders.
Until this fundamental change occurs, Nigeria will continue to grapple with a unique and particularly damaging brand of corruption, one that is both a profound political and a crippling economic affliction. The journey towards progress begins with dismantling this deeply entrenched system of self-enrichment and holding those who betray the public trust unequivocally accountable.
