Nigeria’s post-independence history was heavily influenced by the military. From the first coup in 1966 to the transition to civilian rule in 1999, military regimes repeatedly intervened in politics, citing corruption and inefficiency in civilian governments. Ironically, these regimes often became emblematic of systemic corruption. Control over budgets, procurement, and state resources allowed military rulers and their officers to enrich themselves at the expense of national development.
Structural Foundations for Corruption
Concentration of Power
Military regimes often suspended constitutions, dissolved legislatures, and subordinated the judiciary. This centralisation meant that decisions about public funds, contracts, and development projects were made by a small group of officers with no institutional oversight. The absence of accountability created fertile ground for graft and embezzlement.
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Opaque Budgets and Procurement
Defence and public service budgets were frequently classified, with little or no public scrutiny. Reports of inflated contracts, ghost projects, and unaccounted funds were common. Military officers controlled procurement and often awarded contracts to allies or personal networks, enabling large-scale diversion of public resources.
Limited Media and Civil Oversight
Press censorship and the suppression of civil society organisations prevented scrutiny of government actions. Investigative journalists, whistleblowers, and opposition politicians were often intimidated or detained, ensuring that corrupt practices remained hidden from public view.
Documented Cases of Corruption
The Babangida Era
General Ibrahim Babangida, who ruled from 1985 to 1993, presided over one of Nigeria’s most controversial periods. Allegations of corruption included the manipulation of state oil revenues, mismanagement of the Structural Adjustment Programme funds, and diversion of foreign aid. His regime was widely criticised for enriching a small circle of military and political elites.
The Abacha Loot
Under General Sani Abacha (1993–1998), Nigeria witnessed unprecedented corruption. Investigations after his death revealed that billions of dollars were siphoned from the treasury into foreign accounts controlled by him and his associates. The Abacha loot became a symbol of how military regimes could abuse power for personal gain while the economy and infrastructure suffered.
Other Regimes
Earlier regimes, such as those of Generals Yakubu Gowon (1966–1975) and Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979, as military ruler), also faced accusations of corruption. From inflated contracts to questionable foreign loans, misappropriation of public resources was a recurring issue across military governments.
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Impact on Governance and Development
The corruption under military regimes left deep scars on Nigeria. Institutions were weakened, public trust eroded, and economic growth slowed. Infrastructure projects were abandoned or poorly executed, and national wealth was concentrated in the hands of military elites. The long-term consequences of these corrupt practices continue to affect governance and development efforts today.
Legacy of Corruption
Nigeria’s experience demonstrates that military rule, despite claims of restoring integrity, often entrenches corruption. By centralising power, restricting oversight, and controlling economic resources, military rulers established systems that prioritised personal enrichment over national progress. These legacies continue to influence Nigeria’s political culture and the challenges of reforming governance structures.
Author’s Note
This article traces how Nigeria’s military regimes systematically fostered corruption from 1966 to 1999. Readers will see how concentrated power, opaque budgets, and unchecked authority created opportunities for embezzlement and abuse. Historical cases illustrate how military rulers enriched themselves, manipulated institutions, and undermined democratic structures. Understanding this legacy is crucial for appreciating the challenges of governance and accountability in Nigeria today.
References
Falola, Toyin and Heaton, Matthew M. A History of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
Campbell, John. Nigeria: Dancing on the Brink. Rowman & Littlefield, 2018.
Transparency International. Corruption Perceptions and Governance in Nigeria. 2020.
