ANTICORRUPTION AGENCIES AND CORRUPTION CONUNDRUM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to critically examine the role of Anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) in the fight against corruption with a specific emphasis on the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The study is descriptive in nature and relies on secondary sources of data collection. Thus, information was collected from textbooks, journals, magazines, official reports, documents, newspapers, internet, etc. The information obtained from these sources was analyzed using qualitative content and thematic analysis. To drive its analysis, the paper is anchored on the principal-agent theoretical framework. The paper revealed among others that, both the ICPC and the EFCC have made significant strides in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, and have successfully prosecuted numerous high-profile cases of corruption. However, challenges such as lack of political will, political interference, lack of adequate resources, lack of public trust and confidence, perception of choosing, and a slow judicial process continue to hinder their efforts in combating corruption effectively. Despite these challenges, the ICPC and EFCC remain crucial institutions in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts, and play vital roles in holding individuals and institutions accountable for their corrupt actions.