ETHICAL LEADERSHIP AND CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS ON NATIONAL INTEREST
Keywords:
Ethical leadership, corruption, national interest, governance, Principal–Agent TheoryAbstract
Corruption remains a major governance challenge in Nigeria, with persistent effects on public institutions and national development despite ongoing reform efforts. This study examines the impact of institutional corruption on Nigeria’s national interest and assesses the role of ethical leadership in addressing these challenges. Guided by Principal–Agent Theory, the study adopts a qualitative narrative review approach, drawing on peer-reviewed literature and policy reports, which are analysed thematically. The findings show that corruption undermines national interest by weakening economic performance, eroding political legitimacy, reducing social cohesion, and compromising national security, particularly through revenue leakages, distorted procurement processes, and weakened rule of law. The study identifies key ethical leadership strategies for mitigating corruption, including impartial enforcement of rules, strengthening the autonomy of anti-corruption institutions, and promoting transparency through digital governance systems. The study concludes that corruption in Nigeria is primarily a governance and leadership problem. Sustainable anti-corruption outcomes depend on institutionalising ethical leadership through stronger judicial integrity, consistent reform implementation, and enhanced civic oversight. Embedding ethical leadership within public institutions is therefore critical to protecting national interests and strengthening democratic governance.
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