This S.J.D. dissertation explores the role of law in challenging and curbing public
corruption in Nigeria through the use of anti corruption agencies and laws. A comparative
approach is used that draws upon development from other jurisdictions to illuminate issues in
the Nigerian context. More broadly, this S.J.D. dissertation examined and analyzed the major
anti corruption agencies and laws in Nigeria (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Code of Conduct
Bureau) and their approach towards corruption and democratic process. I also examined the
role Freedom of Information Law plays in curbing corruption and promoting transparency,
twelve years after the Freedom of Information Bill was first presented to the Nigerian
National Assembly, it was finally passed into law May, 2011.
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The main text of this dissertation is comprised of an introductory chapter that defines
corruption and related concepts. The next chapter sets the tone of Nigeria as a nation leading
into the Nigerian legal system and their jurisdiction in hearing corruption cases. Chapter five
introduces the anti corruption agencies in Nigeria, past and present. Chapter six deals with
United States of America’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), its effects on Nigeria and
the controversy caused by the exception of FCPA Act called facilitation payment. The last
chapter analyzes the present anticorruption agencies and their laws, proffering
recommendations and also the Freedom of Information law in Nigeria while drawing
developments from India’s Right to Information Act and South Africa’s Promotion of Access
to Information Act.