THE EFFECT OF CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC SERVICE IN NIGERIA

TOPIC IS SUITABLE FOR:

1. Department of Public Administration

2. Department of Political Science

3. Department of Sociology

4. Department of Criminology and Security Studies

TOPIC: THE EFFECT OF CORRUPTION IN PUBLIC SERVICE IN NIGERIA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.4 Research Questions

1.5 Research Hypotheses

1.6 Significance of the Study

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

2.2 Conceptual Review

2.3 Theoretical Framework

2.4 Empirical Review

2.5 Summary of Literature Reviewed

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction

3.1 Research Design

3.2 Population of the Study

3.3 Sample Size

3.4 Sampling Technique

3.5 Instrument for Data Collection

3.6 Validity of Instrument

3.7 Reliability of Instrument

3.8 Method of Data Collection

3.9 Method of Data Analysis

3.10 Ethical Consideration

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

4.1 Data Presentation

4.2 Analysis of the Causes of Corruption in the Public Service of Akwa Ibom State

4.3 Analysis of the Prevalent Forms of Corruption in the Public Service of Akwa Ibom State

4.4 Analysis of the Impact of Corruption on the Efficiency of Public Sector Operations in Akwa Ibom State

4.5 Analysis of the Effect of Corruption on Service Delivery in the Public Service of Akwa Ibom State

4.6 Test of Hypotheses

4.7 Discussion of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary of the Study

5.3 Conclusion

5.4 Recommendations

5.5 Limitations of the Study

5.6 Suggestions for Further Studies

References

Appendices

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to assess the effect of corruption in public service in Nigeria using Akwa Ibom State as a case study. The study was specifically carried out to assess the causes of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025, assess the prevalent forms of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025, assess the impact of corruption on the efficiency of public sector operations in Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025, and examine the effect of corruption on service delivery in the public service of Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised 5,692 public servants working in selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Akwa Ibom State Public Service, while a total of 374 respondents were selected as sample size using the Taro Yamane formula. Out of the 374 questionnaires distributed, 355 were returned and validated for analysis. The questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables, mean scores, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis with the aid of SPSS version 25. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that weak accountability mechanisms, political interference, inadequate monitoring and supervision, poor enforcement of anti-corruption laws, lack of transparency, and personal greed constitute the major causes of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State. The study also showed that bribery, embezzlement of public funds, favoritism, nepotism, procurement and contract-related fraud, and abuse of office are the prevalent forms of corruption within the public service. Likewise, corruption was found to have a significant impact on the efficiency of public sector operations at R = 0.786, R² = 0.618, F = 90.589, P = .000, while corruption also showed a significant effect on service delivery in the public service at R = 0.804, R² = 0.646, F = 109.236, P = .000. The study concluded that corruption remains a significant challenge affecting the efficiency of public sector operations and service delivery in Akwa Ibom State Public Service. The study therefore recommends that government should strengthen accountability and transparency mechanisms across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, empower anti-corruption institutions to operate independently and effectively, establish continuous ethics and integrity training programmes for public servants, and expand the adoption of digital governance systems to reduce opportunities for corrupt practices and improve service delivery.

Keywords: Corruption, Public Service, Service Delivery, Public Sector Operations, Accountability, Akwa Ibom State.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION (Preview)

1.1 Background of the Study

Corruption is one of the topics that are most widely talked about in public administration and governance globally. Public service delivery is closely related to integrity, accountability and ethical behaviour of public institutions in developed and developing societies. In recent years, the literature on governance has highlighted the role of corruption on the ability of governments to reach development goals, promote transparency and maintain trust in public institutions. Gebrihet (2024) suggests that corruption perception plays a crucial role in citizens' trust in government institutions, whereas Folarin (2020) posits that corruption has become an area of intense study in politics and governance as it engenders the legitimacy of the government and effectiveness of its administration. In the same vein, Olakunle and Makinde (2022) argue that the linkage between governance and development is to a large extent dependent on the level of public institution's accountability principles. Building on this, Sukare and Abdullahi (2026) argue that the ethics of public service is an essential component of the integrity of the public sector and its effectiveness as a system. Thus, corruption has grown beyond an ethical subject to a multi-faceted governance problem and gained significant attention from scholars and policy makers in various parts of the world.

In the wake of this international discussion, corruption has been further explored in the context of public service administration, the main vehicles through which public policies are executed and public resources are administered. Public service is expected to maintain standards of efficiency, transparency, impartiality and accountability in the delivery of government services. Titus (2025) argues that the efficiency of public administration largely hinges on compliance with institutions and rules in the field of public administration. Similarly, Amin et al. (2024) highlight the importance of reforms in public administration as key tools to enhance governance systems and administrative performance. Additionally, Muhammadu et al. (2025) identify that the modern public sector governance focuses more on accountability and service oriented administration as measures of institutional performance. On the other hand, Bamigboye and Fakunle (2026) observed that the actuality of public administration effectiveness is linked with the quality of governance mechanism that is built into public institutions. All these academic roles highlight the importance of studying corruption in public service contexts as part of the investigation of governance and administrative development.

In the African context, the discourse on corruption has been linked with governance outcomes, institutional development, and public sector performance. There has been an examination of the influence of administrative arrangements and governance on the functioning of public institutions on the continent. According to Adoko (2025), in many African countries, the relationship between the politicos and the administrative cadres plays a key role in shaping the nature of public service systems. Likewise, Namo et al (2024) contend that in today's political landscape in Africa, governance quality is still a key factor driving institutional development and state capability. In this same vein, Garuba and Mustapha (2023) argue that administrative integrity could be the bedrock of democratic governance and good performance of public institutions. Babarınde et al. (2025) assert that good governance institutions offer strategic avenues for enhancing accountability and minimising governance gaps in public institutions. These debates have also been developing, and corruption is now considered not just a legal or administrative issue but a governance variable that affects the effectiveness of institutions, public trust and developmental outcomes across African states.

Against this continental backdrop, Nigeria presents a particularly significant context for examining corruption in public service due to the central role of the public sector in national development and governance. The Nigerian public service is still accountable for implementation of policy, management of resources and provision of essential public services. According to Atakpa and Akpan (2023) public administration holds a strategic position in the development of the nation as it is the link between government policies and people's welfare. In the same vein, Okoye et al (2024) report that the study and debate on the nature of corruption in Nigeria has been shifting to the understanding of the causes, manifestations and implication of corruption on sustainable governance in Nigeria. Arum et al. (2025) argue that when corruption is discussed in the context of Nigeria's public sector, it is frequently part of a wider discussion on accountability, institutional effectiveness, and governance reforms. Supporting this stance, Sukare and Abdullahi (2025) state that anti-corruption policies and accountability mechanisms are now at the core of governance discourses in Nigeria. Accordingly, there has been an increased interest in the scholarly world in comprehending the impact of corruption on the functioning of the public sector and service delivery in different government agencies throughout the country.

In the wake of these national debates, growing academic interest has focused on how corruption functions and on what it means for the efficiency of the public sector and service delivery. Eke et al. (2023) argue that public service efficiency is a fundamental factor of economic and administrative development as it indicates the capacity of the institutions to deliver expected results. Similarly, Nwankwo and Kanyangale (2024) argue that systemic corruption directly has a negative impact on the effective functioning of public institutions and their organizational performance. Koko and Paki (2026) stated that corruption affects the processes of service delivery through its impact on administrative practices, resource usage and institutional responsiveness. In this vein, Attahiru (2022) says that inefficiency in public administration has been studied together with corruption because they have a similar impact on the productivity of organizations and outcomes of governance. In addition, Taimin et al. (2023) highlight that the recognition of the types and extent of corruption in public institutions is still very much needed to assess administrative performance. These views together form a theoretical basis for analysing the relationship between corruption and efficiency of the public sector and the delivery of services in particular government contexts.

Within this general overall intellectual and governance context, the current study deals specifically with Akwa Ibom State for the period 2019 to 2025. Akwa Ibom State, one of the states in Nigeria with massive public sector operation and huge developmental expectation is a fitting ground to discuss corruption in public service institutions. This review comes at a time when the country is focused on accountability changes, public sector modernization, e-governance and anti-corruption efforts. Ataide et al. (2025) point out that new governance developments in Nigeria are increasingly incorporating technology and institutional solutions to boost transparency and accountability. Further, Anyaehie et al. (2025) emphasize the growing impact of information and communication technologies in fostering integrity in public service delivery, and Okolie and Egbon (2025) call attention to the need for administrative approaches and anti-corruption agencies to improve governance outcomes. With this background, the study investigates the nature, dimensions, effects and service delivery implications of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025, thus adding to the general debate on public sector governance and administrative effectiveness in Nigeria.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The success of any public service system hinges on its capacity to provide services efficiently, use public resources responsibly, and have accountability in its administration. In theory, public institutions should be transparent and act ethically and responsively to citizens' needs. But, recent research in Nigeria's public sector has again shown that corrupting practices affecting the performance of the administration and governance outcomes are still in existence. Okoye et al., (2024), indicated that corruption is an issue that exists in the Nigerian public sector, and hinders the accountability of institutions and efforts for sustainable governance. Likewise, Arum et al (2025) assert that corruption persists in different forms in public institutions and Bamigboye and Fakunle (2026) state that the level at which corruption is curtailed is correlated to the effectiveness of public administration. Continuous corruption has captivated the scholarly interest due to its impact on operational efficiency, public trust in government institutions and the quality of service provided to citizens. The study of the nature and impact of corruption in particular public service settings is thus an important field of academic and policy research.

Previous empirical research has investigated corruption from various angles, such as governance, accountability, economic development, and public administration. In this regard, Atakpa and Akpan (2023) examined corruption in public administration and national development in Nigeria, while Garuba and Mustapha (2023) examined the impact of administrative corruption on democratic governance. Similarly, Nwankwo and Kanyangale (2024) discussed systemic corruption and service delivery in public tertiary institutions while Koko and Paki (2026) assessed the impact of corruption on public service delivery in Nigeria. While these studies have been giving invaluable insights on the causes, consequences and control of corruption, most of the literature available are of national level or at sectoral and location level other than Akwa Ibom State. Moreover, studies like Taimin et al. (2023), Graham et al. (2022) focused on corruption in the public service of Gombe State and Rivers State respectively, leaving little empirical evidence on the cause, prevalent form, and operational effect of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025.

This gap in knowledge calls for a context-specific investigation, which will explore the impact of corruption on public sector operations and service delivery in the state of Akwa Ibom. Although scholars like Sukare et al (2025) and Titus (2025) have highlighted the need for accountability and fight against corruption in achieving good governance outcomes, there is a lack of research on how much corruption affects efficiency and service delivery in the public service of Akwa Ibom State. Similarly, new research focusing on governance reforms and anti-corruption drive, such as Ataide et al. (2025) and Anyaehie et al. (2025), have emphasised institutional responses to corruption which have not been properly evaluated in the context of the state of interest. To bridge this empirical and contextual gap, this study aims to estimate the drivers of corruption, understand the most common forms of corruption, and examine the consequences of corruption on public sector efficiency and how corruption affects service delivery in Akwa Ibom State from 2019 to 2025. The study therefore helps to add to the body of knowledge in the area of corruption and public service administration in Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, between 2019 and 2025. The specific objectives are to:

i.Assess the causes of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025.

ii.Assess the prevalent forms of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025.

iii.Assess the impact of corruption on the efficiency of public sector operations in Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025.

Iv.Examine the effect of corruption on service delivery in the public service of Akwa Ibom State between 2019 and 2025.

Other parts of chapter one include:

1.4 Research Questions

1.5 Research Hypotheses

1.6 Significance of the Study

1.7 Scope of the Study

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW (Preview)

This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who have previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of corruption, evolution of corruption in nigeria from history, concept of public service, concept of public sector efficiency etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following:

Conceptual Framework

Theoretical Framework

Empirical Review

Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY (Preview)

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design.

Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises public servants working in selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Akwa Ibom State Public Service.

Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 374 participants.

Sampling Technique: The study employed stratified and purposive sampling techniques to select the individual respondents.

Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire titled “Effect of Corruption in Public Service Questionnaire (ECPSQ)” as the instrument for data collection.

Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses. Inferential statistics, particularly Multiple Regression Analysis, were used to test the hypotheses.

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)

The analysis results were presented in tables. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following findings are made:

i. The study found that weak accountability mechanisms, political interference, inadequate monitoring and supervision, poor enforcement of anti-corruption laws, lack of transparency, and personal greed are the major causes of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State, as evidenced by mean scores of 3.65, 3.64, 3.65, 3.71, 3.67, and 3.73, respectively, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. This implies that institutional weaknesses, poor oversight, inadequate enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and unethical personal behaviour contribute significantly to corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State.

ii. The study found that bribery, embezzlement of public funds, favoritism, nepotism, procurement and contract-related fraud, and abuse of office are the prevalent forms of corruption in the public service of Akwa Ibom State, as evidenced by mean scores of 3.73, 3.70, 3.70, 3.72, 3.69, and 3.74, respectively, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. This implies that corrupt practices occur in various forms within the public service and undermine ethical conduct, fairness, and accountability in administrative processes.

iii. The study found that corruption significantly affects the efficiency of public sector operations in Akwa Ibom State, as evidenced by mean scores ranging from 3.74 to 3.81, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. This was further confirmed by the regression coefficients further revealed that bribery (β = 0.247, p = 0.000), embezzlement (β = 0.308, p = 0.000), abuse of office (β = 0.204, p = 0.001), and favoritism/nepotism (β = 0.276, p = 0.000) significantly influenced public sector operational efficiency. This implies that corruption contributes to administrative inefficiency, wastage of public resources, reduced employee productivity, delays in government programmes, and weakened institutional accountability.

iv. The study found that corruption significantly affects service delivery in the public service of Akwa Ibom State, as evidenced by mean scores ranging from 3.77 to 3.88, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. This was further confirmed by the regression coefficients further revealed that bribery (β = 0.272, p = 0.000), embezzlement (β = 0.334, p = 0.000), abuse of office (β = 0.213, p = 0.000), and favoritism/nepotism (β = 0.289, p = 0.000) significantly influenced service delivery. This implies that corruption reduces service quality, delays access to public services, limits fairness, undermines public trust, and hinders effective service delivery in Akwa Ibom State.

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter covers the following outline:

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary of the Study

5.3 Conclusion

5.4 Recommendations

5.5 Limitations of the Study

5.6 Suggestions for Further Studies

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