Corruption and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: The Imperative of a Trado Religious Anti-Corruption Strategy
OGEGE, Sam Omadjohwoefe

Abstract
Corruption remains one of the fastest growing social problems in Nigeria. It is virtually becoming a way of life that permeates both private and public sectors of the economy. Over the years, this pervasive behavioural proclivity has earned the country the notorious status of one of the most corrupt nations in the world. Despite seemingly concerted efforts of past and present administrations to combat corruption, the problem remains persistently endemic with disastrous consequences for the Nigerian society. It is against this backdrop, that the paper specifically explores the upsurge of corruption and its implications for sustainable development in Nigeria. Within the symbolic interactionist framework, the paper maintains that people indulge in pervasive corrupt behaviour as a result of how corruption is perceived and valued. The paper maintains that corruption, especially in the public sector, breeds infrastructural decay, high cost of governance, insecurity and distorted development priorities thus making the hope of achieving sustainable development a mirage. This, no doubt, explains why sustainable development has continued to elude Nigeria despite its abundant natural endowment and robust development initiatives. In order to translate its abundant natural resources into sustainable development, the paper recommends among others, that as a matter of urgent necessity, Nigeria must adopt a trado-religious social control measure in its anti-corruption reforms.

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