Corruption and the Challenges of Ethical Practices and Values among Nigerians in the 21st Century

Abstract

Corruption has become quite common in Nigeria is gradually becoming an acceptable way of doing things for many people. This cankerworm has eaten deep into the fabric of the society to the extent of being perceived as a normal way of life. The paper examines this dangerous phenomenon in its totality. Adopting a historical perspective, the paper examined the various administrations in Nigeria after independence and concluded that no genuine effort has been made towards eradicating corruption from the polity. This has encouraged many Nigerians to engage in several unethical practices thereby negating positive values that could have helped the country in building a strong and virile Nation. The paper therefore recommends stiffer penalties for corrupt officers, reorientation, eradication of poverty and promulgation of laws that will enhance effective and speedy prosecution of offenders amongst others, as a way out of this debacle.