Poverty as the Root of Corruption in Nigeria, by Amos Yohanna
Nearly half of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. Across the country, countless children and adults are forced to survive under bridges, in slums, or on the streets, constantly exposed to dangers that proper shelter could have prevented. This reality highlights the urgent need for deliberate government intervention to provide social safety nets for orphans, the homeless, and those unable to sustain themselves.
Unfortunately, resources that could have alleviated this suffering are often squandered. Over the years, greedy politicians and inept officials have looted public funds on a scale that defies imagination. Even university graduates struggle to find employment after years of hard work, and when they do, the jobs available are poorly paid. The result is a vicious cycle where bribery and corruption thrive, driven largely by poverty and the fear of sliding deeper into it.
The level of deprivation is so severe that small sums of money, which would be insignificant in many societies, are treated as precious lifelines. I saw this reality firsthand during a visit to a village in Kebbi State. After purchasing food items, the trader was unable to provide change of ₦400. I told her to keep it. She immediately knelt down, prayed for me, and expressed overwhelming gratitude. That brief encounter revealed the depths of hardship Nigerians endure and the extent to which poverty has eaten into the fabric of our society.
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Poverty is not only a social burden but also a driver of crime. The desperation it creates has pushed many into illegal activities. From kidnappers and armed robbers to drug traffickers, fraudsters, and human smugglers, countless individuals have been forced into a life of crime as a means of survival. If there were adequate, well-paying jobs and opportunities, many of these crimes would never take root.
While the government bears the primary responsibility for improving the welfare of citizens, wealthy Nigerians also have a critical role to play. By investing in the common good, they can help reduce poverty and, in turn, corruption. Imagine a Nigeria where successful individuals built world-class hospitals across the country. Such investments would strengthen the healthcare system, reduce mortality rates, and provide employment. Similarly, establishing functional orphanages would rescue countless homeless children from the streets, giving them hope and a future.
The private sector can also play a transformative role by building factories and industries that expand economic opportunities. Every factory opened not only grows the economy but also creates jobs for hundreds of Nigerians. Such initiatives would be mutually beneficial, fostering economic growth while reducing unemployment and the desperation that fuels corruption and crime.
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Nigeria cannot prosper if nearly half of its citizens remain trapped in poverty. Reducing poverty must be seen not just as a moral duty but as a strategic pathway to eliminating corruption and crime. Both the government and privileged individuals must work hand in hand to create opportunities that will empower people, restore dignity, and foster national growth.
It is possible to make Nigeria great again, but it requires collective action. By addressing poverty at its roots, strengthening social support systems, and ensuring meaningful investments in people and infrastructure, the nation can break free from the cycle of deprivation and corruption. The path is clear: fight poverty, and we fight corruption. Build opportunities, and we build a stronger, more secure Nigeria.
Amos Yohanna is a student of Mass Communication at Muhammadu Buhari University of Maiduguri (formerly the University of Maiduguri), Borno State.
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