Political Leadership and Corruption in Nigeria Since 1960: A socio-Economic Analysis

Michael Ogbeidi

Abstract

Nigeria, a country richly endowed with natural resources and high quality human capital is yet to find its rightful place among the comity of nations. A major reason that has been responsible for her socio-economic stagnation is the phenomenon of corruption. The kernel of the paper rest in the fact that political leadership and corruption were interwoven and it is against this background that it explored the corrupt tendencies of the political leadership class in Nigeria since 1960 and its implication for socio-economic development. The paper concludes that for Nigeria to experience sustainable socio-economic development, responsible and credible leaders must emerge to implant the act of good and selfless governance in the country.

Michael M. Ogbeidi, B.A., M. A., M. Phil, Ph.D. (Lagos), is an Associate Professor in the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos, Nigeria. He has published several articles and books on Nigerian business and political history. Notable among these are Fundamentals of Nigerian Business History (2007); Leadership Challenge: Gani Adams and the Oodua People's Congress (2005); Regulation Through Legislation: Government and the Insurance Industry in Nigeria 1961 - 1987 (2009); and Hope Betrayed: A Reflection on the Nigerian Nation and the Challenge of Leadership Since Independence (2009).