The Effect of Corruption on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa with Nigeria as a Case Study.

Achieving food security and zero hunger has been one of the major goals of the Global Community. Countries worldwide face challenges such as unemployment, climate change, corruption, unaccountability in government, etc. Though these issues indeed exist, governments and civil societies have taken the task to proffer sustainable solutions to these challenges. Considering this, one of the defining moments of the 21st century was the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals aimed at alleviating the world problems that would lead to growth and development.?

Although, Nigeria was a signatory to the 17 SDGs, among which are Zero hunger, Peace, and Good Governance, etc., however, the realization of these goals is farfetched. One looming crisis in which the Nigerian government has failed to produce effective and lasting solutions is food production. While the current food crisis in Nigeria stems from a culmination of factors such as inadequate technology, climate change, etc., nonetheless, the leading causes could be traced to Corruption and lack of government accountability to the electorate.?

The Nigerian political structure has witnessed certain limitations due to corruption. The data by Transparency International ranked Nigeria 144 out of the 146 countries. As scholars have pointed out, corruption is a cankerworm to any society as the funds meant for development and the well-being of the citizens are siphoned into private coffers and white elephant projects. The ruling class in Nigeria has a known history of corruption, which is evident in the misuse of public funds, embezzlement, etc.??

In the same vein of corruption, the Nigerian government is erroneously popular in implementing whitewashed elephant projects that yield little or no benefit to the citizens. This originates from the fact that policy implementation does not consider the common person's well-being. Several government administrations in Nigeria have implemented policies such as Operation Feed the Nation, River Basin Development Authorities, Green Revolution, etc., yet, these policies have been unsuccessful in proffering developmental solutions to the challenge of food production and supply, instead, billions of naira have been wasted on these projects.

Additionally, the Government’s neglect of the agricultural sector is evident in the lack of modern technology and equipment for farmers. Due to poverty, many of these farmers are unable to access modern tools for better food production. For instance, the lack of modern food storage has increased wastage, thereby shortening food supply and demand. ?

Ever since the Global Crisis of 2008, Sub-Saharan African countries have been battling with the challenges of poverty, economic growth, and development. In Nigeria especially, the nexus between corruption and poverty has become evident in food insecurity. It is ironic that a nation endowed with natural resources still has most of its citizens wallowing in the abyss of poverty and unable to afford basic amenities. Corruption, bribery, and other social vices resulted in insurgent activities in the country, such as Boko Haram. ?

The events that occurred since the emergence of these groups have left Nigerian citizens in an impoverished state. It is worth noting that in 2017, the armed group orchestrated 90 assaults and 59 suicide attacks in Nigeria. The concentration of their activities in the Northern region where food is produced has led to many individuals abandoning their means of living and seeking refuge in internally displaced camps. For instance, in 2010, the insurgents claimed responsibility for the death of over 43 farmers who were laboring in their rice fields. Their activities are concentrated in States such as Yobe, Adamawa, and Borno state where food items such as Cowpeas, Rice, Yams, Tomatoes, Onions, millet, etc. The ripple effect of the sporadic onslaught of bombings, kidnappings, banditry, etc. not only affects the region but the Country at large.??

In 2019, for example, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee disclosed that more than 1.5 million people were displaced from their homes. Unfortunately, these events have culminated in a shortage of food and a hike in food prices. At present, the reality of the Nigerian citizen is their inability to afford basic food items. The compounding fear is that as insecurity threatens the livelihood of farmers and other individuals in these regions, it would disrupt the production chain and hinder the supply of food items to the South and other parts of Nigeria.

It should be taken into cognizance that Nigeria has a large demography of over 200 million with a high demand for food and other basic amenities, The incapacity of the government to tackle corruption and insecurity may threaten the survival of Nigerians. As farmlands are being deserted, the Country has resorted to massive importation of food items which is barely enough to feed the large population. Also, due to the devaluation of the naira and the exchange rate to the dollar, food may become unaffordable and inaccessible for everyday citizens. ?

In conclusion, while it is true that these developmental challenges spring from a myriad of factors, it should be emphasized however, that the root cause is the negligence of the Nigerian ruling class to be accountable to the electorates. Corruption is endemic to society as it averts resources needed for State building into private coffers. To achieve sustainable development, the focus should be on tackling corruption in the country, from the grassroots to the upper echelons, such that the resources are properly used in health, security, education, agriculture, and other sectors.?

Abimbola Geraldine Salau?

Distance Learning Graduate Student, University of Edinburgh?

Called from my Coursework on the Dynamics of African Development?

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