Anti-Corruption Reforms and the Ethics of Public Officials in Nigeria

Abstract

Despite several anti-corruption reforms and the establishment of institutions such as the EFCC and ICPC, corruption remains deeply entrenched in Nigeria’s public service. Persistent issues such as bribery, embezzlement, procurement fraud, and abuse of office highlight a disconnection between reform policies and actual ethical conduct among public officials. The study examined anti-corruption reforms and the ethics of public officials in Nigeria. The study employed qualitative content analysis and adopted ethical leadership theory developed by Brown and Treviño (2006). The findings revealed that anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria have yielded modest progress in promoting ethical behaviour and accountability among public officials but remain limited in overall impact due to persistent structural and cultural challenges. Institutional mechanisms such as the EFCC, ICPC, TSA, and IPPIS have contributed to increased transparency, recovery of stolen funds, and high-profile prosecutions, demonstrating the potential for institutional reforms to deter corruption. However, unethical practices such as favouritism, nepotism, and procurement fraud remain prevalent, largely due to weak enforcement, political interference, and inconsistent sanctions. The study indicated that the TSA and Public Procurement Act have improved financial management and compliance with due process, they have not significantly transformed the ethical culture within the public service. The study recommended that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with greater autonomy, adequate resources, and legal backing to operate free from political interference.  The Nigerian Judiciary should reinforce its independence to ensure impartial adjudication of corruption cases.