THE SYMBIOTIC BOND OF BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION: Nigeria’s Inseparable Twins (Part 2 OF 3)

Perspectives with Dr. Iyke Ezeugo

Bribery in Nigeria: Unpacking the Complexities

As we continue the “surgical” separation of Bribery and Corruption, it’s crucial to recognize how they operate distinctly, even if they appear inseparable at first glance. In the same way that a surgeon must understand the unique functions of individual organs before performing a delicate operation, we need to dissect the anatomy of bribery before we can begin addressing its specific effects on Nigeria’s societal health. While Corruption will take center stage in the next part, Bribery – its flashy, immediate, and often visible counterpart – demands our full attention for the moment.

I. Definition and Forms of Bribery

According to Wikipedia, Bribery is the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official, or other person, in charge of a public or legal duty and to incline the individual to act contrary to their duty and the known rules of honesty and integrity. With regard to governmental operations, essentially, bribery is “Corrupt solicitation, acceptance, or transfer of value in exchange for official action.
Bribery, unlike the pervasive, institutional nature of corruption, is often a transaction between individuals with direct benefits for one or both parties. It’s a “quid pro quo” arrangement: money, gifts, or favors are exchanged for influence or action. This distinct, often secret, subtle and ‘sharp sharp’ transactional aspect of bribery is what makes it particularly insidious, subtly entrenching itself in Nigerian society across varied forms:

– Direct Bribery: Instances where a person actively offers something of value to sway an outcome, such as paying a traffic officer to ignore an infraction, offering a landed property to get a position in government or judgment in a court matter, paying an election returning officer to re-write the election results, etc.

– Indirect Bribery: A more covert form, where bribes are channeled through intermediaries to maintain anonymity and deniability, and sometimes in noncash forms to disguise the intent and make attribution, resistance and traceability difficult. For example, a parent “donating” money to a school’s “development fund” with the silent hope that it will secure admission for their child, or make the school treat the student differently; a politician gifting a house, land, car, gadgets, etc. to an electoral officer or security personnel on election duties, etc.

– Active Bribery: The act of offering a bribe to influence someone’s decisions like employment, promotion, postings, roles, auction, contacts, etc.; offering monies to security personnel at filling stations during scarcity to be allowed to jump the cue and enter through the exit gate while others are in the cue, and many more.

– Passive Bribery: The acceptance of gifts, gratification and any form of favour exchanges that are not actually presented as bribes but often as appreciation and goodwill, lobbying, extension of ‘hand of friendship’, ‘public relations’, or appreciation in advance. This is often done as a natural part of human relations, and either directly or through friends and families of individuals in positions of authority who wield power over others’ welfare or fortunes.

These distinctions underscore bribery’s complex nature, where even passive acceptance perpetuates a cycle of entitlement and exploitation. There are more but I will limit it to these few examples in order to stay within scope.

Bribery, a pervasive issue in many societies, takes on a unique character in Nigeria. Here, it’s often a subtle dance, a calculated exchange woven into the fabric of everyday life. Understanding the interplay between psychology and the brain’s wiring of those that play well in this field sheds light on why some find bribery irresistibly tempting.

II. The Psychological Landscape of Bribery

*Social Exchange Theory in Action: A child might promise “good behavior” for a sweet treat, aware that ‘good behavior’ is something their parents desperately desire, while ‘sweet treats’—the child’s craving—are only given as needed and programmed. However, the child seeks to offer something to change the usual pattern, hoping to get more treats without considering how this impacts the family’s values or rules—prioritizing self-interest and aiming to exploit the parents’ desires. This reflects how individuals might offer favors, financial incentives, or other benefits (the bribe) in exchange for a desired outcome, unwilling to let things follow their natural or proper course.

*Moral Disengagement at Work: The “office oiler,” who offers a small gift to a supervisor to gain a better performance review, engages in moral disengagement. They seek to advance faster than others, downplaying ethical considerations and justifying the action as essential for career growth or progress.

* Reward Sensitivity and the Bureaucratic Ballet: A citizen offering a bribe to expedite a service taps into reward sensitivity. The immediate benefit (a faster process or better outcome) overshadows any concern about ethics or the broader impact on society.

* Cognitive Biases and the Market Maestro: A customer at an open kitchen eatery gives a small extra tip to the food server, expecting a larger portion, an extra scoop of ice cream, more soup, choice meat, or preferential treatment. The giver rationalizes this as “being generous, supporting the underpaid worker in tough economic times,” but would likely stop tipping if extra portions were not provided after a few attempts. This behavior is driven by self-serving bias and an attempt to sway the server’s actions. It’s not a ‘fair exchange’ as the giver is aware that the shop does not belong to the server and disregards the impact of extra portions given away by the tipped server on the business owner. The normalization of such small bribes can have a significant impact on the individual’s values and on society at large.

These examples highlight how social norms, cognitive biases, and the allure of quick exchanges and rewards all contribute to the psychology of bribery.

The Neurological Connection

While the specific brain mechanisms aren’t fully understood, research offers some insights:

* Reward Centers Activated: Bribery can stimulate the brain’s reward centers, particularly the nucleus accumbens. The anticipation or receipt of a bribe triggers dopamine release, creating a sense of pleasure and reinforcing the behavior.
* Frontal Cortex and Ethical Bypassing: Studies suggest reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for ethical reasoning and impulse control, in individuals who engage in bribery. This may explain why they prioritize shortcuts and short-term gains over long-term consequences.

Understanding Bribery in the Nigerian Context

* Cultural and Contextual Influences: Weak institutions and low trust in Nigeria can create an environment where bribery is seen as a necessary evil to navigate inefficient systems.
* The Slippery Slope: The “slippery slope” model suggests that small bribes can desensitize individuals, making them more likely to engage in larger acts of corruption over time.

III. Root Causes of Bribery
To further expand the analysis on the root causes of bribery in Nigeria, here are additional factors to consider, including aspects like moral bankruptcy, political complicity, and historical legacies. These elements help explain how deeply bribery is entrenched in Nigerian society and why efforts to remove it by surgery with partial anesthesia will always fail.

To understand why bribery is so pervasive in Nigeria, it is essential to analyze its underlying causes from a holistic perspective:

1. Economic Factors:
Widespread poverty and limited economic opportunities are fundamental drivers of bribery. With many public officials earning insufficient wages while the few privileged ones are enjoying without limit, the temptation to seek alternative sources of income or get money by all means becomes almost inevitable. For example, “tips” or unofficial payments are often seen as a necessary supplement, not a crime. This leads to an environment where bribes are expected and normalized as an unofficial “service charge.”

2. Cultural and Social Norms:
In Nigerian society, social obligations are deeply rooted, particularly towards family and community. This collectivist culture, while positive in some respects, often creates pressure to prioritize family and friends over the rule of law. This loyalty, when combined with a desire to protect and provide for one’s own, can normalize bending rules. Over time, this obligation to help “one’s own” mutates into a justification for bribery, making it an accepted part of social support networks. This inform why when a public official is accused of Bribery and corruption, the major concern of most people that know him will be whether he is a ‘good man’: – kind-hearted and liberal in giving, whether he supports the poor, the sick, and whether he helps those in need around him. Meanwhile, no one pays attention to the fact that the poor is only remaining poor because of his actions that corrupts the system.

3. Institutional Weaknesses:
Bribery thrives in environments with institutional frailty. When law enforcement is ineffective, judiciary processes are slow, and oversight mechanisms lack teeth to bite, there is little deterrence against corrupt acts. Such institutional weaknesses allow bribery to flourish with limited consequences, eroding public confidence in the system and fostering an “every man for himself” mindset.

4. Moral Bankruptcy:
A widespread sense of moral decay exacerbates the bribery problem. For many, moral considerations take a backseat when personal gain or ambition is on the line, leading to a situation where ethical standards are sacrificed in favor of speed, expedience and financial reward. When society collectively tolerates or even celebrates ‘success’ or wealth regardless of its source, bribery becomes less about right or wrong and more about “getting ahead,” resulting in a general devaluation of honesty, integrity, patience and commitment to uprightness.

5. Political Complicity and Patronage Networks:
The political landscape in Nigeria is often a fertile ground for bribery, with politicians sometimes actively encouraging or turning a blind eye to corrupt practices that secure their interests using palm-greasing and vote-buying. This complicity creates a chain of patronage networks where public servants feel emboldened to collect bribes. High-ranking officials who benefit from such corruption have little incentive to dismantle a system that keeps them in power, making bribery not just tolerated but also politically endorsed.

6. Historical Legacies of Colonialism: 
Nigeria’s colonial history has also left a legacy that contributes to present-day bribery. The colonial administration often governed through exploitative practices and institutionalized mistrust, establishing a precedent for modern-day governance that is detached from citizens’ interests. This history fostered a mentality that views public resources as “fair game” for personal enrichment rather than as collective assets, perpetuating a system where bribery and corruption are embedded within public service.

7. Lack of Transparency and Public Awareness: 
In many cases, citizens are unaware of their rights or the procedures involved in public services, making it easier for officials to exploit them or demand bribes. The lack of transparency in administrative processes means that bribery is often seen as the quickest route to get things done. Without a clear understanding of legitimate processes, people may feel resigned to bribery as an unavoidable part of accessing services.

8. Weak Ethical Standards in Education and Professional Training: 
Many educational and professional institutions in Nigeria fail to emphasize ethical standards and integrity, which are critical to building a corruption-free society. The absence of such moral education leaves future public servants without a firm ethical foundation, leading to a professional environment where bribery and corruption are seen as norms rather than aberrations.

9. Normalization of “Transactional” Relationships: 
The entrenchment of transactional relationships, where virtually every interaction has a quid-pro-quo expectation, makes bribery almost instinctive in daily life. In such a setting, bribery becomes a form of currency in both social and professional interactions, reducing relationships to calculated exchanges rather than trust-based interactions.

10. Ineffective Anti-Corruption Policies: 
While Nigeria has made several attempts to address bribery and corruption, such as establishing anti-corruption bodies, these efforts often lack sufficient enforcement power or independence. Many anti-corruption bodies are underfunded, politically compromised, or hampered by restrictive laws, resulting in half-hearted enforcement that does little to curb bribery on a systemic level.

By analyzing these diverse root causes, it becomes evident that bribery in Nigeria is a multi-dimensional issue sustained by economic desperation, social norms, institutional weaknesses, and a deeply ingrained culture of moral compromise. Without addressing these core drivers, attempts to eradicate bribery may remain cosmetic, leaving the underlying structure of corruption intact.

IV. Evolution and Thriving of Bribery

Bribery in Nigeria is not static; it evolves alongside society’s shifting dynamics:

– Entrenchment in Social Norms: Over time, bribery has become so normalized that people see it as a necessary lubricant to get things done. Consider how a university lecturer might accept money from students to ensure “gradep adjustment.” When students and faculty both view bribery as routine, it becomes a deeply embedded social expectation.
– Power Dynamics and Networks: Bribery often reflects the power imbalances within society. People in powerful positions – whether in government, law enforcement, or business – use their authority to demand bribes, while those with less power feel obligated to comply. This cycle of dominance and submission entrenches bribery in power structures, reinforcing the idea that influence is for sale.

V. Cases of Bribery in Nigeria

Some concrete examples highlighting how bribery permeates various sectors:

1. Otedola-Farouk Lawan Bribery Scandal (2012): Oil magnate Femi Otedola allegedly offered a $620,000 bribe to House of Representatives member Farouk Lawan to remove his company’s name from a list of firms implicated in a fuel subsidy scam. This case illustrates the exchange of money to influence political decisions. Of course, Farouk was convicted and served his term, even though his appearance after his release seemed to indicate a complete absence of regret or repentance.

2. Bribery in Education: Beyond high-profile scandals, bribery also exists in mundane yet critical areas like education. In most school settings, it’s a known fact that parents that give gifts to teachers have their children looked after in special ways, the children excesses tolerate, and these same children make better grades and receive better commendations in their end-of-section reports. In some other quarters (the exam miracle centers), parents often pay for their children’s exam results or admission slots, which undermines the meritocratic principles of education and leaves a generation of students lacking genuine skills and morals.

3. Healthcare Bribery: In hospitals where there is cue for a particular essential service component, bribery can be a matter of life and death. Patients may feel pressured to “tip” staff for better, preferential or expedited service, creating disparities in healthcare quality. Those who cannot afford these “extras” are left to wait – or worse, neglected. The same plays out in the Correctional Service (Prisons): those that can pay get certain privileges.

These examples demonstrate that bribery is not just a moral failing of individuals but a symptom of larger social and institutional flaws.

VI. International Comparisons

Comparing Nigeria’s bribery challenges to other countries provides insight into how similar issues are tackled globally:

– Brazil: The Odebrecht scandal exposed a vast network of bribes paid to secure government contracts. The government’s subsequent response – creating more robust legal frameworks and conducting high-profile arrests – serves as a model for transparency and a deterring enforcement.

– India: Known for pervasive bribery in public services, India introduced the Right to Public Services legislation, guaranteeing citizens timely delivery of services. This has empowered citizens to report bribes and hold public officials accountable.

– Singapore and Denmark: These countries have low bribery rates due to stringent laws, transparency in government, and a culture of accountability. Singapore’s zero-tolerance approach and public reporting mechanisms have proven effective, highlighting the importance of political will in combating bribery.

The China Hypocrisy

China: While China enforces zero tolerance for bribery within its own borders—often punishing corruption with severe sentences, including the death penalty—it has a different stance abroad. Chinese companies are frequently implicated in bribery and corruption in foreign nations, especially in regions where they have substantial business interests, such as Nigeria and other African countries. China’s selective stance has drawn criticism, as it reflects a form of hypocrisy: promoting strict anti-bribery measures at home while allegedly encouraging or turning a blind eye to bribery in their international dealings to secure contracts and influence.

VII. Combating Bribery in Nigeria

Addressing bribery requires both individual and systemic approaches, leveraging both grassroots efforts and institutional reforms to drive long-lasting change.

1. Individual and Group Actions:
Empowering citizens to take a stand against bribery is essential. Individuals can:
– Refuse Participation: Citizens should be encouraged to resist participating in bribery and to uphold ethical standards in everyday transactions.
– *Whistleblowing and Reporting:* Establishing secure, anonymous channels for whistleblowing can encourage reporting of bribery without fear of retaliation, victimisation or betrayal. The government could strengthen laws protecting whistleblowers, ensuring they are safe and, if possible, rewarded without compromising their safety.
– *Promoting Integrity:* Community-led initiatives, advocacy groups, and civil society organizations can champion integrity and ethical behavior. Campaigns promoting the social and economic costs of bribery can foster a cultural shift at the grassroots level.
– *Peer Accountability Networks:* Local community and religious groups can establish peer accountability programs, helping to monitor public behavior and rewarding individuals and groups who act as role models in upholding anti-bribery ethics.

2. Systemic Reforms and Policy Initiatives:
Nigeria must pursue comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening the framework against bribery. These can include:
– *Robust Anti-Bribery Legislation:* Current laws should be revised to close loopholes and establish clear, consistent penalties for bribery offenses. Laws should also clearly define bribery, corruption, and illicit gifts to prevent misinterpretation.
– *Transparent Public Service Frameworks:* Reforms should simplify bureaucratic processes and leverage technology to monitor transactions and operators to minimize points of interaction where bribery can occur. Digitalization, such as e-governance platforms, can reduce face-to-face transactions, thus reducing opportunities for bribery.
– *Stronger Enforcement Mechanisms:* Institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should receive more funding, training, and independence to operate without political interference.

To curb bribery within EFCC, ICPC, the Police, the Judiciary, and other law enforcement agencies, we need stricter laws and harsher penalties specially for these agencies as the law keepers. Additionally, we must prioritize institutional reforms, such as increased and proactive policing oversight of the officers, stronger protection for honest officers, performance-based incentives, and competitive salaries. This comprehensive approach will help to deter corruption even before anyone joins, and foster a more ethical law enforcement environment ready to combat the demon.

– *Learn from International Models:* Successful anti-corruption reforms in countries like Brazil and India offer potential blueprints. Brazil’s anti-corruption legislation and enforcement measures under Operation Car Wash, and India’s initiatives like demonetization and public procurement transparency, could serve as valuable case studies for Nigeria.

3. Combating Bribery: A Multi-faceted Approach

To tackle bribery effectively, Nigeria must adopt a multi-layered approach that combines preventive, corrective, and punitive measures.

– Promoting Ethical Values:
Education plays a vital role in instilling anti-bribery values. Initiatives could include:
– Ethics in Education: Integrating anti-corruption and ethics training into school curricula to build a strong foundation of values from a young age. This is one outstanding thing I benefited from University of Liverpool.
– Professional Training Programs: Training for public officials and employees on anti-bribery laws and ethical decision-making can reinforce the importance of integrity in public service.

– Strengthening Institutions:
Building strong, transparent institutions reduces opportunities for corruption. Efforts in this area can include:
– Institutional Independence: Protecting anti-corruption bodies from political interference is critical for ensuring fair enforcement of anti-bribery measures.
– Public Access to Information: Laws that mandate complete transparency in government contracts and budgets can help keep officials accountable. Public access to such information enables citizens to monitor government spending and hold officials accountable.
– Digital Transformation of Public Services: Adopting technology to streamline services and minimize physical contact between citizens and officials can help curb bribery. Digital tools, such as online tax filings and automated licensing, make bribery harder to conceal.

– Effective Deterrence:
Strict enforcement and severe penalties are critical to deterrence. This can be achieved through:
– *Enhanced Penalties:* Increased jail terms, substantial fines, and asset forfeitures can serve as effective deterrents, signaling that bribery will have severe consequences.
– *Swift Prosecution and Judicial Reforms:* Fast-tracking corruption cases and implementing judicial reforms can reduce delays and ensure that cases are resolved quickly, making bribery a higher-risk endeavor for offenders.
– *Transparency in Judicial Proceedings:* Broadcasting corruption trials and publishing case outcomes publicly can act as a powerful deterrent, reminding citizens of the consequences of bribery.

 

4. International Cooperation and Partnerships:
Given the global nature of bribery and corruption, Nigeria can benefit from international partnerships by:
– *Engaging with Global Anti-Corruption Bodies:* Collaboration with international bodies like the UN, Interpol, and Transparency International can help Nigeria adopt best practices and receive technical support.
– *Extradition Treaties for Corruption Suspects:* Agreements with other countries to extradite officials or businessmen involved in corrupt practices could strengthen Nigeria’s fight against transnational bribery.
– *Foreign Investment Scrutiny:* Monitoring foreign investments, especially from countries with ambiguous bribery track records, can reduce the influence of external actors who might seek to exploit local systems through bribery just as China and some other Countries are doing right now.

By combining these individual, institutional, and international strategies, Nigeria can create a robust framework against bribery that not only punishes offenders but also prevents future occurrences by addressing the underlying causes and supporting a culture of integrity.

IX. *Conclusion*
Bribery, a pervasive issue in Nigeria, is a complex phenomenon rooted in a confluence of psychological, societal, and systemic factors. It’s more than just an individual act of moral failing; it’s a symptom of a deeper societal malaise.
The allure of quick gains, coupled with the systemic pressures of poverty, inequality, and weak governance, creates a fertile ground for corruption to flourish. The psychological rewards of illicit gains, often outweighing long-term consequences, further fuels this cycle.
Beyond the individual, societal norms and expectations also play a significant role. When bribery becomes normalized, it becomes easier to justify and rationalize. A culture that values material wealth over integrity can erode ethical principles and encourage unethical behavior.
The impact of bribery is far-reaching, affecting not just individuals but entire societies. It undermines the rule of law, stifles economic growth, and exacerbates social inequality.
As we delve deeper into the complex issue of corruption in Part 3, we will explore how these two evils are intertwined and how their synergistic effects can devastate nations. By understanding the root causes and the far-reaching consequences of bribery, we can work towards building a more just and equitable society.

_Dr. Iyke Ezeugo is a Forensic Researcher, a Social Impact Expert, and Satirist who uses his perspectives and parodies to challenge the status quo, spark debates, and inspire fresh perspectives on public affairs through insightful intellectual injections._