Poverty, inequality and corruption in Nigeria : a critique

Abstract

One of the paradoxes that characterize many developing countries like Nigeria is the prevalence of poverty, inequality and corruption, in spite of their enormous human and material resources for sustainable development. The resultant contradictions and subversion of development efforts are accentuated by the misperception and misinterpretation of the relationship between the three phenomena, in addition to their instrumental role in favour of the interests of the dominant class. This paper is intended to examine the incidence and role of poverty, inequality and corruption in Nigeria, considering her decades of visioning and efforts toward achieving sustainable development. It will advance some theoretical explanations and pragmatic panacea to the three hydra-headed development challenges.