Tackling corruption in the distribution of Covid-19 palliatives and public health facilities in Nigeria: legal insights and strategic blueprint for future emergencies
| Date | 14 August 2023 |
| Pages | 489-523 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFC-03-2023-0055 |
| Published date | 14 August 2023 |
| Author | Olusola Joshua Olujobi,Tunde Ebenezer Yebisi |
Tackling corruption in the
distribution of Covid-19 palliatives
and public health facilities in
Nigeria: legal insights and strategic
blueprint for future emergencies
Olusola Joshua Olujobi
Department of Public and International Law, Afe Babalola University,
Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, and
Tunde Ebenezer Yebisi
Department of Private and Business Law, College of Law,
Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of thisstudy is to examine the corruption prevalent in thedistribution of COVID-19
palliatives during the lockdownand movement restrictions in the country. This study seeks to analysethe
current state of corruption in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives and publichealth facilities in Nigeria
while also providing a legalinsight and strategic blueprint to combat corruption. To this end, thisstudy will
address the current legal framework for combating corruption and build upon this to formulate a working
strategyfor tackling corruption in the future.
Design/methodology/approach –Using a doctrinal legal research methodology, this study draws upon
existing literature, tertiary data sources and information from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The collected
data is analysed and compared with current literature to identify key findings.Rent-seeking and utilitarian t heories
of the law were examined to guide this study. This study offers useful insig hts into combating corruption. The use of
this method is justified, as it enhances the credibility of the findings on the importance of strategies for future
emergencies. This legal research approach is consistent with the law and can be easily verified. The empirical aspect
of this study involved a survey of multidimensional health-careand economic data set of 36 states in Nigeria plus the
Federal Capital Territory on COVID-19 in Nigeria. A survey linearised regression model was estimated to determine
the influence of governmentrevenue and public health-care facilities in the control of the virus spread in Nigeria.
Findings –This study reveals the need for emphasis on the imperative of combating corruption in the
distribution of COVID-19 palliatives and establishing economic resilience through transparent and
accountablepractices, supported by legal frameworks.
Research limitations/implications –Rent-seeking and utilitarian theories of law are evaluated because
of their impacts on combating corruption. The limitation of this study is the intricacy of gathering data on
COVID-19 palliatives corruption in Nigeria becauseof secrecy and the absence of reliabl e data on the subject.
Practical implications –Estimating the exact number of stolen palliatives and their fiscal impact on
Nigeria’s economy proves to be a formidable task because of the covert nature of corruption. This study
The financial support of Afe Babalola University Ado–Ekiti, Nigeria, is exceedingly acknowledged
and appreciated. Thank you greatly to Nigeria’s legal icon–Aare Afe Babalola OFR, CON, SAN,
D. Litt, the President, Chancellor and Founder, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria.
Author contributions: O.J.O., writing-original draft, review, editing, investigation, conceptualisation,
project administration, methodology, formal analysis, validation, software, resources and funding
acquisition. The author has read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript (Table 2).
Public health
facilities in
Nigeria
489
Journalof Financial Crime
Vol.31 No. 3, 2024
pp. 489-523
© Emerald Publishing Limited
1359-0790
DOI 10.1108/JFC-03-2023-0055
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/1359-0790.htm
equips policymakersin Nigeria with a better understanding of the legal challengesposed by corruption in the
health caresector and provides an effective strategy to combatit.
Social implications –The lack of reliable data on the extent of palliative theft hinders the ability of
lawmakers to enact effective legislation and strategies for combating corruption in the distribution of COVID-19
palliatives and addressing future emergencies in Nigeria. The policy implications of this study can assist
policymakers in Nigeria and other countries in formulating measuresto combat corruption in the distribution of
COVID-19 palliatives and other future emergencies. Furthermore, it recommends the overhaul of anti-corruption
laws and mechanisms in Nigeriat oensure effe ctivemeasures against corruption.
Originality/value –In conclusion,this study contributes to knowledge by proposinga legal model centred
on people’s participation to enhance transparency and accountability in future palliative distribution
processes. This study recommends legal strategies that can effectively address corruption in future
emergencies or shocks. This study proposes a strategic blueprint to tackle corruption in the future. This
blueprint includes an analysis of existing laws and regulations, as well as potential policy changes and
legislative reform. This study also includes recommendations for improved enforcement and oversight
mechanisms and for improved public awareness and education. As part of this, this study considers the
potential for public–private partnerships to increase transparency and accountability in public health and
health-careservices.
Keywords Combating corruption, Distribution of COVID-19 palliatives, Legal strategies,
Future emergencies, Nigeria
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Nigeria, like many countries across Africa, has experienced significant impacts from the
COVID-19 pandemic, with the nation beingdesignated as the most impacted in West Africa
(National Centre for Disease Control, 2020).To curb the spread of the deadly virus, Nigeria
implemented a nationwideshutdown, which had profound consequences for its economy.In
response, the government initiated various measures to provide relief to its citizens,
including the distributionof COVID-19 palliatives such as food and cash transfers.
The distribution efforts were substantial, with a total of 30,876.3 metric tonnes of food
being allocated to 3,795,500 households from strategic grain reserves. Additionally, cash
transfers were made to eligible beneficiaries in 24 states through the Conditional Cash
Transfer Scheme, amounting to 730,177 recipients. These initiatives aimed to mitigate the
adverse economic effects ofthe pandemic on vulnerable Nigerians through social assistance
and intervention programs(Presidential Task Force Mid-Term Report, 2020).
However, amidst these noble intentions, a disheartening reality emerged. Corruption,
bribery and diversion of these palliatives tainted the distributionprocess. Some individuals
and politicians viewedthese resources as opportunities to reward their political loyalistsand
supporters, ratherthan recognising them as part of a national strategyfor poverty reduction
(Erameh and Ojakorotu, 2021). This diversion of resources undermined the intended
purpose and deprived thosein need of vital support duringthe crisis.
To combat the crisis and mitigate its adverse effects,the Federal Government of Nigeria
allocated substantial financial resources and formulated policies (Ufua et al.,2021). The
pandemic brought international travel, trade, socio-cultural connections and human
relationships to a halt, emphasising the criticality of combating the impact of the virus to
guarantee social and economicdevelopment (Obinna et al., 2021).
This study takes on paramount importance, as it offers a strategy for combating
corruption in the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives in Nigeria, along with legal
frameworks to tackle future emergencies effectively. It focuses on examining corruption
from multiple angles, including the delivery and hoarding of food items, procurement
irregularities, embezzlement and mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, the proliferation of
JFC
31,3
490
substandard medicines,data forgery and improper use of information. Moreover, corruption
within the health workforce, governance structures, employment systemsand management
teams is also under scrutiny. The substantial amounts of COVID-19 funds earmarked for
health-care reforms were allegedly embezzled or mismanaged, further compounded by
government officials engagingin medical tourism. These instances of corruption during the
lockdown period in Nigeria highlightthe urgency of addressing systemic flaws (Amundsen,
2020).
Through a comprehensive examination of corruption in the distribution of COVID-19
palliatives, this study aims to provideinsights into the legal perspective and propose future
directives for combating shocks and emergencies. By addressing the underlying causes of
corruption, enhancing transparency and strengthening legal frameworks, this research
endeavours to pave the way for a more equitable and effective distribution of resources
during emergencies. Ultimately, it seeks to contribute to a corruption-free and resilient
emergency responsesystem in Nigeria.
This issue is of utmost significance to not only the government and anti-corruption
stakeholders but also the international community in promoting transparency and
accountability. Nigeria, specifically, is the focus of this study because of its poor global
ranking on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index 2022, which has
significantly damaged its reputation among nations and other global transparency
indicators that highlight the prevalence of corruption within the country (Olujobi, 2020a).
Furthermore, as the largest economyin Africa and the most populous black nation globally,
Nigeria’s ability to combat corruptionand promote transparency and accountability is vital
to attracting investorsand improving its standing in the global community (Olujobi, 2021).
The research objectivesand rationale for this study are twofold: to address corruptionin
the distribution of COVID-19 palliatives in Nigeria and to propose future directives for
effectively handling shocks and emergencies. The study’s significance lies in its
contribution to the existing knowledge in the field of law and its provision of valuable
strategies and insights to the Federal Government of Nigeria, policymakers, public health
practitioners and researchers in formulating policies and enacting laws to combat
corruption, criminalactivities and antisocial behaviour in society (Olujobi,2017).
One notable contribution of this study is the design of a hybrid model for combating
endemic corruption and promoting transparency in Nigeria. The findings highlight the
absence of data regarding the distributionand use of funds received from various donors for
the COVID-19 emergency response, as well as the lack of detailed information on the
COVID-19 budget or report with a transparent tracking system accessible to the public for
scrutiny of the funds.
Corruption serves as a manifestation of poor governance, leading to the wastage and
mismanagement of public resources intended for addressinghealth emergencies in Nigeria.
It represents the diversion of funds designated for development and acts as a significant
factor hindering economic growth, poverty alleviation and the achievement of sustainable
development goals (Annan Kofi, 2004). Fijnaut and Huberts (2002) describe public
corruption as the wrongful and illicit enrichmentof public officials, including politicians and
civil servants, through the misappropriation of public power or trust placed upon them
(Olujobi et al., 2022).
Furthermore, as of March 10, 2023, there have been a total of 759,408,703 confirmed
COVID-19 cases and 6,866,434 deaths reported across 213 countries (World Health
Organization, 2019). The lockdown policies implemented by the Federal Government had a
detrimental impact on vulnerable Nigerians who rely on their meagre daily earnings for
sustenance. Unfortunately, the absence of a sustainable social welfare package from the
Public health
facilities in
Nigeria
491
Get this document and AI-powered insights with a free trial of vLex and Vincent AI
Get Started for FreeStart Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting