Police, Nigeria’s number one bribe-takers –Report

Men of the Nigeria Police have been named the
number one bribe-taking public officials in Nigeria.
A report presented by the CLEEN Foundation in
Abuja on Tuesday also said corruption was on the
increase in the country.
The report, which was presented by the Head of
Foundation, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, said apart from
the Police, other public officials that take bribe were
those serving in immigration, customs, prison and
road safety.
Chukwuma said, "The findings of the survey indicate
that there is an upsurge in bribery and corruption
among government officials in Nigeria.
"Nearly one out of every respondents attested paying
bribe or being asked to pay bribe by government
officials before services could be rendered to them.
"In terms of trend, demand has increased from 20
per cent in 2011 to 24 per cent in 2012.
"Among public officials who demand for bribes, the
police (70 per cent), immigration (66 per cent),
custom (65 per cent), prison officials (52 per cent)
and road safety officials (51 per cent) were the
highest."
The survey added that bribery and corruption among
public officials such tax officials, court personnel,
anti-corruption agencies were higher in states like
Kebbi(61 per cent), Ebonyi(50 per cent), Kwara(45
per cent), Ondo(42 per cent), Edo(42 per cent),
Sokoto(34 per cent) and Gombe(34 per cent).
The survey claimed that the lowest were recorded in
Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna states, which were 10
per cent each.
It was stated at the presentation that government
insincerity was the major constraint against anti-
corruption agencies.
Others constraints, according to the survey, were
lack of funds and facilities, corruption on the part of
the Economic and Financial Crime Commission and
the Independent Corrupt practices and other related
offences Commission, weak and corrupt judiciary.
It was also noted at the survey presentation that
robbery was on the increase in the country.
When compared to robbery incidents that occured in
the country in 2011, the survey, which was carried
out nationwide between April and May 2012,
indicated that Edo State recorded the highest of
robberies in the country.
It was followed by Anambra and Ondo state, while
Jigawa and Kwara states were among the least in
robbery with four and two per cent respectively.
The CLEEN boss also said the survey indicated that
South-South was more prone to other armed violence
other than robbery.
The presentation, which was attended by
representatives of many organisations, had a
Commissioner of Police, Mr. C.D. Oki, in attendance.