Irrespective of the abundant natural and human resources , Nigeria being the most
populous country in Africa continent is regarded as the most corrupt and seriously
appalling developmental performance record.
Corruption and development are interrelated for the simple fact that one give rise the
other, hence, corruption is defined as any form of abuse of public office for private
gain which in turn has a tantamount negative economic and social trickle down effect
on the whole society.
Some perspectives are of the notion that developing societies and their people are
inherently more corrupt than developed ones, yet the argument is that sometimes lack
of development opportunities automatically encourages corruption. The this view,
economic growth and development create social opportunities that are of potential
benefits to the people so that they tend to engage in honest activity to sustain
themselves. The specific reward for entrepreneurship and productive rise in relation
to rent seeking investment when there is sustain growth can have a positive impact on
the society.
In contrast, the despair caused by inequality and pervasive poverty may encourage
people to break the rules of honesty and decency. People access to or shortage of
resources often develop a self perpetuating momentum so that the well –endowed get
more and the poor get even less.
In the light of the above, this paper will also discuss critical issues like impact of
corruption on development, theoretical assumption about corruption and
development, and how corruption affect development.