Title: Institutional Weakness and Selective Enforcement: An Institutional Theory Analysis of Anti-Corruption Policing in Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Olawale OGUNSOLA
Ibraheem Adewale ADEFABI Bolaji Olumuyiwa OMITOLA
Adebowale Idowu ADEYEYE &bOlumide OMODUNBI
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Pages: 228-232
Publication Date: 2026/03/28
Abstract:
Corruption continues to undermine governance, institutional effectiveness, and socio-economic development in many developing countries. Nigeria, despite establishing specialised anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), still faces persistent institutional challenges in combating financial crimes. This study examines the institutional factors affecting collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and specialised anti-corruption agencies in the enforcement of anti-corruption laws. Guided by Institutional Theory, the study adopts a mixed-method research design combining quantitative survey data and qualitative key informant interviews. Data were collected from 150 respondents drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, EFCC, ICPC, forensic experts, legal practitioners, and members of the public, with 148 valid responses analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. The findings reveal that institutional weaknesses such as resource constraints, political interference, communication inefficiencies, and jurisdictional overlaps significantly hinder effective collaboration among anti-corruption agencies. Approximately 71% of respondents identified lack of shared resources as a major barrier to cooperation, while 62.8% indicated that political interference undermines joint enforcement efforts. Additionally, over 69% of respondents reported communication deficiencies affecting joint investigations. The study concludes that strengthening institutional coordination mechanisms, enhancing technological infrastructure, and insulating anti-corruption agencies from political interference are essential for improving anti-corruption policing in Nigeria. The findings contribute to the literature on institutional governance and anti-corruption enforcement by providing empirical insights into the operational dynamics of inter-agency collaboration in developing countries.