Bribery and corruption in telecommunications – the case of Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine issues of bribery, cronyism and nepotism in one of the most corrupt countries in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a single-country case study, drawing on material dating from the mid-1970s, including court cases.

Findings

The corruption is pervasive and systemic, showing severe problems with governance in general, in the sector and against corruption. Nonetheless, two operators, one South African and one Nigerian, have delivered extensive access to mobile networks.

Practical implications

The system of governance requires significant structural reforms, if the burden of corruption is to be reduced.

Originality/value

This paper sheds new and explicit light on the complex history of telecommunications in Nigeria. It adds to the small base of material on corruption in the telecommunications sector. It identifies issues that could usefully be taken up by institutions in Nigeria.

Citation

Sutherland, E. (2018), "Bribery and corruption in telecommunications – the case of Nigeria", Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 244-272. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-06-2017-0031