MENACE OF CORRUPTION AND ITS SOCIO-POLITICAL CUM ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS ON NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN SUB-SAHARA AFRICA: THE CASE OF NIGERIA

Abstract: Do the cases of corruption in Sub-Sahara Africa have any implication on national development? Providing a logical answer to this question motivated the call for this paper. Imperatively, the paper examined how the various cases of corruption in Sub-Sahara Africa, specifically; Nigeria have partly influenced national development in the specific areas of socio-political and economic activities. The paper is both descriptive and qualitative, it made use of data gathered from documented evidence/secondary sources, such as; Transparency International, TheGlobaleconomy.com, Shadow Economy index among other corruption reportages from media publications, journal articles and textbooks. Data gathered were thematically analyzed while Collective action theory provided a theoretical guide to the study. Among other findings, the paper strictly established that corruption in Nigeria has impacted negatively on Nigeria’s national development over the years. It is on this basis that the study recommended that Citizens of Sub￾Sahara African countries should come with serious name-shaming for those who engage in any form of corruption. Word such as “stealing”, “robbery” instead of embezzlement, privatization, money laundering should be accorded to anyone who engage in corrupt acts. More so, Sub-Sahara African nationals both home abroad should step up their campaigns against corruption in their distinct countries, particularly, among the political elites. This will go a long way in rebranding the image of the region and its citizens abroad. In addition, elections cum appointments into the position of elites and leadership in Sub-Sahara African countries should be strictly based on merit and should be free from money politics and godfatherism. All these aforementioned served as practical solutions on how to minimize the menace of corruption in Nigeria and as well, foster national development.

Keywords: Corruption; Development; National Development; Sub-Sahara Africa; Transparency