An Assessment of Corruption in the Public Sector in Nigeria: A Study of Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State

Abstract

Issue of corruption in Nigeria has been a major concern to all and sundry in the society. The upsurge of this social menace in Nigeria in recent times is disturbing and it seems the menace has defied all kinds of treatment and the damage it has caused to national life cannot be quantified. The objective of this paper therefore, is to examine and assess corruption in the public sector in Nigeria with particular reference to Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State. It has generated data based on questionnaires, on the public perception and level of corruption in the study area. The questionnaire and the groups tested were segmented. However, it was observed that many factors such as; lack of transparency, moral laxity, weak government institutions, unemployment and poverty etc were significant factors stimulating corruption in Nigeria. By this result, it means that proactive measures must be shaped towards eradicating corruption in Nigeria. This paper recommends, among others, that government should strengthen the institutions established to fight corruption