Corruption and Poverty Indices: Threats to the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

Abstract

Corruption hinders a nation from economic prosperity. It gives birth to poverty and deterioration of national development. Since independence, Nigerian political scene has been fraught with enormous corruptionn cases by the political elites, who have impoverished the nation. Based on these insinuations, this paper examines the level of correlation between corruption and poverty indices as it poses threat to the attainment of sustainable development of Nigeria. With regards to the methodology, the paper is qualitative in nature. The researchers also used “Structural Functionalist Theory” as the tool of analysis.  Secondary source of data collection, which involves the use of journals, textbooks, periodicals and other relevant materials, was also used for the study. Therefore, this paper attempts to establish a correlation between corruption and poverty indices as it poses threat to the attainment of sustainable development goals in Nigeria. The study recommends that, the religious leaders such as the Malams and Pastors have fundamental roles to play in the fight against corruption in Nigeria because they are role models who can bring about positive changes in the society. The fight against corruption is not only the responsibility of the government alone as the traditional leaders and the masses.