CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1              BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Corruption may be described as dishonest acts practiced within the economic sphere, government, society, or culture. Regardless of the particular industry where corrupt practices operate, there exists a common framework through which such behaviors are evaluated based on the widespread orientation in society on how people should interact socially and economically. In accordance with the definition of corruption provided by the World Bank and TI (Transparency International), corruption involves abuse of one’s office for personal gains. Such gains may be either for the benefit of the individual involved or another party. Political corruption involves any act of dishonesty that threatens the prevailing political structure (Ajao, Dada and Olaoye, 2021). Corruption has been one of the major hindrances to efficient governance, particularly in Nigeria, during the last decades of the 20th century and into the 21st century. Over the years, the magnitude of the vice has captured global interest.

In Nigeria, the local government is the third tier of government responsible for ensuring that the citizens have access to vital services. Given that this tier has the best knowledge about the requirements, conditions, and peculiarities of the areas, the local government system has received global recognition as a form of government in the federal system as well as an instrument of the federal or state government for providing some basic services that may be enjoyed by the citizens in the locality. It should be noted, however, that in spite of many developments that have been witnessed, corrupt practices have bedeviled the Nigerian local government system since its inception.

.. To this end, Oviasuyi, Idada and Isiraojie, (2010) observed that “as in all levels of government in Nigeria, corruption is predominantly widespread, undiluted and unambiguous in the local government”. Egberi and Madubueze, (2014) concurred that, It is a fact that corruption is now widespread, unapologetically present, unchecked, and unabated in the local government system. Additionally, it has been noted that corruption towards service delivery in local governments  denies the average citizen access to basic means of subsistence (Goje, 2010). Corruption is known to be a universal but endemic issue. Albeit corruption is ubiquitous, it is found all over the world, but the degree of its manifestation varies from system to system (Lawal and Oladunjoye, 2010).

 Every country in the world has corrupt officials and unethical practices. Numerous processes have been destroyed and rendered inadequate as a result of the occurrence. People are poor, hungry, and starving as a result of corruption. Injustice, inequality, robbery, poor management, looting, and misappropriation of the country's resources have also been the outcomes. Corruption has a significant and far-reaching effect on public service delivery, particularly in local government areas like Urue offong Oruko. In such regions, the misappropriation of public funds, bribery, and embezzlement of resources meant for development and public welfare directly impede the effectiveness of services intended to improve the lives of residents(Nuhu 2021).

One of the most prominent consequences of corruption is the diversion of funds allocated for infrastructure projects, healthcare, education, and social welfare programs. These resources, if used appropriately, could significantly improve the quality of services provided to the community. However, when corrupt officials embezzle or mismanage these funds, critical projects are delayed or remain unfinished, leaving the population without essential services.

Additionally, corruption undermines the efficiency of public service institutions by promoting favoritism and nepotism. In Urue offong Oruko Local Government, this often results in the appointment of unqualified individuals to key positions, reducing the overall effectiveness of governance. The lack of skilled personnel in important roles means that public services are not properly executed, and there is a general decline in the quality of services provided to the public(Ajao, Dada and Olaoye, 2021). Corruption also fosters an environment where citizens lose trust in their local government. When the public perceives that officials are more focused on personal gain than on serving the community, it erodes civic engagement and participation. As trust diminishes, people may become disengaged from the political process, leading to a further breakdown in governance and a lack of accountability. Moreover, the negative impact of corruption on public service delivery often has a ripple effect on other sectors. For instance, the health sector may suffer due to the misallocation of funds, leading to inadequate medical facilities, insufficient medical supplies, and poorly compensated healthcare workers. Similarly, education systems may falter, with schools lacking necessary resources, teaching materials, and qualified teachers, further exacerbating the cycle of poverty and inequality.

In Urue offong Oruko, like many other local government areas, corruption also fosters a culture of impunity, where perpetrators of corrupt practices are rarely held accountable. This lack of accountability perpetuates the cycle of corruption and contributes to a broader governance crisis, making it increasingly difficult to address the root causes of poor public service delivery(Ajao, Dada and Olaoye, 2021).Ultimately, the effect of corruption on public service delivery in Urue offong Oruko Local Government Area is devastating. It not only limits access to basic services but also hinders socioeconomic development, increases inequality, and erodes public trust in governance, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. It is to this the study centres on the effect of corruption on public service delivery in Urue offong Oruko local government area

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

It is an irrefutable fact that corruption has remained a great challenge to the provision of good public service in many local government areas in Nigeria, including Urue Offong Oruko. Corruption has continued to be wide-spread in spite of all the measures that have been adopted in ensuring the proper conduct of public service. This has greatly compromised the effectiveness, efficiency, and availability of public services as a result of corruption in the management of public funds.. It does not only result in bad service delivery but also damages the trust that the citizens place in their government bodies. The effect that the corrupt practices in Urue offong Oruko Local Government Area have on the delivery of public services has been of great importance because of its effect on how the community develops and how the gap between social classes grows. Knowing how corruption affects the delivery of public services is important in finding ways of combating it.. The absence of accountability, coupled with poor service delivery, further contributes to the hardships that the people have to go through, which results in their needs being unfulfilled and their faith in the capability of the local government to better their conditions being shaken.

Conducting the research will be very important for some highly convincing reasons. One of the major hindrances to development in the country is corruption, which has been a problem that continues to persist in Nigeria. The problem of corruption in Nigeria is widespread and can often times be felt by the common man on the street. Local governments such as Urue offong Oruko play a key part in providing essential services to their citizens.

The need for this study is evident in that it will help to determine the exact forms of corruption that exist within the framework of local government in Urue offong Oruko and its impact on the delivery of services. It is only by studying a localized area like this that the researcher will be able to make contributions to the existing literature on the subject. Localized studies are usually underrepresented in national-level studies, yet they are very important in coming up with strategies to fight corruption..

In addition, the results of this study would prove highly useful to stakeholders in terms of identifying gaps in the implementation of accountability measures. It will further add to the existing body of literature concerning public governance and administration, as well as help fill the gap between theoretical understanding and practical experience.. Indeed, this study has the capacity to not only identify a problem that is extremely significant but also assist in addressing initiatives intended to make reforms in the way that public services are delivered within Urue offong Oruko and other areas alike. Consequently, the problem of corruption in the public sector still stands as an impediment to the development of the Local Government of Urue offong Oruko.

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major objective of this study is to examine the effect of Corruption on Local Government administration in Nigeria. Other specific objectives include;

1.   To assess the effect of corruption on local government administration in Nigeria.

2.   To find out what extent bribery and corruption significantly affects community service delivery in Urue offong Oruko local government area.

3.   To examine the effect of nepotism on public service delivery  in Urue offong Oruko Local government Area.

1.4    RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The undertaking of this research project will beam a searchlight on the following research questions;

1.   Does corruption affect local government administration in Nigeria?

2.   To what extent does bribery significantly affects community service delivery in Urue offong Oruko Local Government Area?

3.   Is there any significant relationship between nepotism  and public service delivery  in Urue offong Oruko Local government Area?