Dual Faces of Nigeria: Navigating the Dance with Corruption

"This vibrant nation is a mix of paradoxes, where the spirit of resilience peacefully coexists with the looming presence of corruption."

In Nigeria, October is a special month. It's when the country became independent from British colonial rule. So, I ask for your understanding as I turn the spotlight towards Nigeria in this piece. We'll take a fun trip through Nigerian society and talk about corruption, which is like an unwanted guest at a party - occasionally criticized by Nigerians, yet sometimes strangely embraced by the same individuals.

Each year, Transparency International, a global non-governmental organization dedicated to combating corruption worldwide, releases the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). This index evaluates 180 countries and territories across the globe based on their perceived levels of public sector corruption, utilizing a scale ranging from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). According to the 2022 CPI, Nigeria was positioned 149th out of 180 countries, suggesting a relatively high perception of public sector corruption in the nation.

In Nigeria, corruption wears many masks. It's the shadowy figure in the background, pulling strings and making deals, but the friendly neighbor who lends a helping hand when you need it most. It's the double-edged sword that simultaneously builds and undermines. To understand its dual nature within the nation's complex landscape, we'll take a closer look at some of Nigeria's faces of corruption.

The "Oga" Syndrome

In Nigeria, the idea of "Oga" (meaning boss or someone in charge) is deeply rooted in the culture. It's the unspoken understanding that those in positions of authority wield immense power, and that power often leads to a sense of entitlement. The title "oga" isn't just for the wealthy or influential; it's not about how much money you have or your place in society. Surprisingly, anyone, no matter their financial or social standing, can be an "Oga". This could be a government worker asking for a "gift" for processing routine paperwork or a police officer who insists on a "token of appreciation" while on highway traffic duty - these are the manifestations of the "Oga" syndrome.

The "Family First" Policy

In Nigerian culture, family holds great importance and sometimes plays a role in corruption. "Family first" is the mantra and manifests in myriad ways. Imagine a scenario where a government official allocates contracts to his brother's construction company, knowing there might have been more competitive options. It's a nod to nepotism, a wink at favouritism, and an unabashed celebration of kinship.

The Great Nigerian Bribe-off

Ah, the infamous bribe. The secret sauce keeps many cogs in the Nigerian machine turning. From traffic stops to bureaucratic hurdles, a well-timed bribe can miraculously grease the wheels of progress. It's a twisted alchemy where a few crisp naira notes (the Nigerian currency) transform obstacles into opportunities.

Picture this: a bustling Nigerian airport, where the rules about baggage allowances are known as the back of one's hand. Yet, amidst this sea of passengers, there's always that one individual who thinks they can sway the system with some "extra persuasion." Enter the dance with the flight attendant, a subtle shuffle of words and glances, and voila! Suddenly, an extra bag or two finds its way onto the flight. It's a clandestine tango, where both parties reluctantly engage in the performance.

Embracing Change

As we journey through the ups and downs of our independence and face the challenges of our political history, we need to recognize Nigeria's complex relationship with corruption, both as individuals and as a society. While this dance with corruption continues, a new beat is beginning to play - one of hope, determination, and a collective belief that a brighter future is within reach.

Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, are standing up and demanding accountability. They're rewriting the script, daring to dream of a Nigeria where opportunities are earned, not bought, and progress is fueled by integrity, not clandestine dealings.

So, let's keep dancing, but let's also keep striving for a Nigeria where the music is pure and the steps are true.