Combating Corruption in Nigerian Civil Service: A Critical Discourse

Abstract

Corrupt practices are common phenomenon in Nigerian civil service. One can hardly enter an office and get his work done without financial or other forms of inducement. Hence, bribe is openly demanded by government officials before any assistance is render. In spite of civil service rules, the scourge continued unabated.  This institutional decadence has greatly affected the overall operations of Nigerian public service. Therefore, given this disturbing trend, this study examines the impact of EFCC and ICPC in combating the malignant effects of corruption in Nigerian civil service. In achieving the stated objective, the study employed a qualitative technique of data collection through the content analysis of official records, policy pronouncements and a considerable review of related literatures. Hence, the findings from the study reveals that the ICPC and EFCC have recorded a commendable success in fighting corruption in public service but both anti-graft institutions are confronted with some challenges such as outdated penal and criminal codes legal system, slow pace of the judiciary in handling corruption-related cases, the problem of underfunding, and among others. The study therefore concludes that sufficient funds should be made available to these agencies for effective and efficient performance in their operation.