Regulation of anti-corruption in Nigeria : towards reflexive law and policy

• Main Author: Nwabuzor, Chukwuemeka
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: HD Industries. Land use. Labor; KN Asia and Eurasia; Africa; Pacific Area; and Antarctica; KR Africa; Pacific; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/190280/; https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/190280/1/WRAP_Theses_Nwabuzor_2023.pdf; http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b4090283

This thesis explores the prospects of reflexive regulation of anti-corruption law and policy in Nigeria. It argues that the prioritisation of reflexive regulation has significant potentials for the future success of anti-corruption regulation in Nigeria which hinges on regulating self-regulation within companies through preventive measures aimed at reducing opportunities for corruption. The thesis builds on theoretical insights from reflexive law theory to develop an understanding of how corruption can be prevented in companies through the regulation of self-regulation of anti-corruption law and policy. To test the reality of reflexive regulation in Nigeria, a non-representative empirical study was conducted, and the findings of the research form a distinct contribution to the literature. The empirical study draws on range of qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews (with representatives of anti-corruption agencies (ACAs), civil society organisations (CSOs), and companies), website research, and analysis of data from secondary sources, to provide a nuanced understanding of the nature of self-regulation of anti-corruption law and policy within Nigerian companies and to investigate whether these practices are reflexive. The research findings suggest that although there are barriers to employing reflexive regulation in Nigeria, there are prospects for reflexive regulation to achieve better results in preventing corruption which could result in reduced instances of corruption and reduction of the burden on ACAs, acting within a command-and-control criminal law framework focusing on investigation, prosecution, penalties and asset recovery. The thesis provides a framework for operationalising reflexive regulation, emphasising continuing stakeholder collaboration between companies, ACAs, and CSOs in developing, implementing and monitoring anti-corruption programmes of companies. The thesis is structured into six parts represented by each chapter. The conceptualisation of corruption and the ...