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ECONOMIC
CRIMES AND NATIONAL SECURITY:
CHALLENGES
FOR NIGERIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE (S)
Title Page - - - - - - - - i
Declaration- - - - - - - - ii
Dedication - - - - - - - - iii
Acknowledgement - - - - - - iv
Table of Content - - - - - - v-viii
List of Tables- - - - - - - - ix
List of Abbreviations- - - - - - - x-xi
Abstract- - - - - - - - - xii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background- - - - - - - - 1-6
1.2 Statement of the Problem - - - - - 6-8
1.3 Research Questions - - - - - - 8
1.4 Objectives of the Study - - - - - - 9
1.5 Significance of the Study - - - - - 9-10
1.6 Scope of the Study - - - - - - 10
1.7 Limitation of the Study - - - - - - 11
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
2.1 Literature Review - - - - - - 12
2.2 The Nature of Crime - - - - - - 12-16
2.3 The Concept of Economic
Crime- - - - - 17-21
2.4 The Concept of National
Security - - - - .21-27
2.5 Relationship between
Economic Crimes and National
Security- - - - - - - - -
27-30
2.6 Theoretical Framework - - - - - - 31-34
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
- - - - - - - - 35
3.2 Research
Design - - - - - - - 35-36
3.3 Area
of Study - - - - - - - 36
3.4 Population - - - - - - - - 36-37
3.5 Instruments
of Data Collection - - - - 37
3.6 Validation
of Instruments - - - - - 37-38
3.7 Methods
of Data Collection and Analysis - - - 38
3.8 Weakness
of the Methodology - - - - 38-39
3.9 Summary - - - - - - - - 39
CHAPTER
FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction - - - - - - - 40
4.2 FRAUD - - - - - - - - 40-47
4.3 ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING- - - - - 47-52
4.4 IMPLICATION OF ECONOMIC
CRIMES ON
NATIONAL SECURITY- - - - - - 52-56
4.5 NIGERIA’S EFFORT AT
COMBATING ECONOMIC
CRIMES- - - - - - - - - 56-62
4.6 CHALLENGES OF
ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCIES
IN COMBATING ECONOMIC CRIMES- - - - - 62-67
4.7 STRATEGIES FOR COMBATING
ECONOMIC
CRIMES - - - - - - - - 67-72
CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 CONCLUSION - - - - - - - 73-74
5.2 RECOMMENDATION - - - - - - 74-75
Bibliography - - - - - - - 76-81
Appendix I - - - - - - - - 82
LIST OF TABLES
|
Serial
|
Contents
|
Pages
|
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
|
4.2.1.1
|
Fraud Cases in Banks. 1999 – 2009.
|
44
|
|
4.2.1.2
|
Police Data on Fraud Related Crimes. 2002 –
2008.
|
46
|
|
4.2.1.3
|
Suspects According to Age Distribution.
|
47
|
|
4.3.4
|
Drug Seized from 2000-2009.
|
50
|
|
4.3.5
|
Arrests and Gender Distribution in Drug
Trade.
|
51
|
|
4.5.6
|
Drug Arrests and Prosecution. 1998 – 2009.
|
60
|
LIST
OF ABBREVIATIONS
1. AFF - Advance Fee Fraud.
2. CBN - Central Bank of Nigeria.
3. CPI - Corruption Perception Index.
4. EFCC - Economic and Financial Crime Commission.
5. FATF - Financial Action Task Force.
6. FDI - Foreign Direct Investment.
7. FGN - Federal Government of Nigeria.
8. ICAC - Independent Commission Against Crime.
9.
ICPC - Independent Corrupt Practices
Commission.
10.
ICT - Information and Communication
Technology.
11. NAPTIP
- National Agency for the Prohibition of
Trafficking In Persons.
12.
NDC - National Defence College.
13. NDLEA - National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
14. NDIC - Nigerian Deposit and Insurance
Cooperation.
15. NGO - Non Governmental Organisation.
16. NIPC - Nigeria
Investment Promotion Commission.
17. NNPC - Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
18. NPA - Nigerian Ports Authority.
19. NPF - Nigeria Police Force.
20. PDP - People’s Democratic Party.
21. ONDCP - Office of National Drug Control Policy.
22. UBN - Union Bank of Nigeria.
23. UK - United Kingdom.
24. UN - United Nations.
25. UNDP - United Nations Development Programme.
26. USA/US - United State of America.
27. SPDC - Shell Petroleum Development Corporation.
ABSTRACT
This
study was set out with 5 objectives: to establish the relationship between economic
crimes and national security, to examine the effect of economic crimes on
national security, to examine the steps taken by Nigeria to combat economic
crimes, to examine the factors militating against the eradication of economic
crimes in Nigeria and to suggest strategies of curbing economic crimes in
Nigeria. The method used included the unstructured interviews and documentary
methods. The study revealed there is a converse relationship between economic
crimes and national security. A high rate of economic crimes in Nigeria would
lead to a poor state of national security. To curb this menace, the FGN enacted
some laws and established some anti-corruption agencies to fight economic
crimes. This notwithstanding, economic crimes have continued to thrive in
Nigeria. Consequently, some areas of challenge to the anti-corruption agencies
were identified. Some of them are lack of political will to fight corruption,
and loopholes in the judiciary system that enabled offenders to get very mild
verdicts for their crimes. To this end, some strategies were proffered as a way
of overcoming the identified challenges. These included the abrogation of the
immunity clause in the Nigerian constitution and the award of very severe
punishments to offenders so as to deter others. Additionally, it was suggested
that special courts should be established. These courts are to deal strictly
with economic crimes so as to enable quick disposals of cases of economic
crimes.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
The phenomenon of
crime has been in existence since time immemorial. From the time Adam disobeyed
God in the Garden of Eden to the modern highly complex crime networks, the
human society has never been devoid of criminal activities. Human nature is
inflexible and hence crime, which is a product of human existence, has remained
irrespective of space, time or age. Nevertheless differences do exist in the
practices prevalent in various cultures and societies.
A holistic definition of crime has remained illusive to
scholars. This implies that there is no simple definition for crime. It is an act or the
commission of an act that is forbidden or the omission of a duty that is
commanded by a public law and that makes the offender liable to punishment by
that law (Pillai, 2001:13). Adam smith's natural theory of law on
one hand defines crime as, ‘the violation of individual rights and man made
laws’ or simply, an illegal act (ibid:14). There are varying classifications
and categories of crime.
The FBI classifies crimes into violent, property and economic
crimes. Violent crimes include murder and homicide (voluntary manslaughter),
forcible rape, aggravated assault, and robbery while property crimes include
burglary, arson, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Economic crimes on the other
hand include the
embezzlement of public funds, currency trafficking and money laundering. Other
categories of economic crimes include tax evasion, AFF and all such illegal
acts that may have a damaging effect on the economy of the host country (www.fbi.gov).
Since the end of the Cold War, many countries have witnessed great advancement in
science and technology. This advancement in technology brought about a
revolution in ICT. With the world now globalized, the ICT revolution in the
Twentieth Century literally
removed the barriers of time and space, thus increasing political and economic
interactions among nations. This development ushered in abundant opportunities in the areas of tourism, culture and
economic interaction among many countries. This resulted in the free and fast
movement of people, information, goods and money across international borders.
Thus with ICT, huge funds could be transferred across the globe electronically
within a very short time.
These new
opportunities brought along with them some challenges, such as the issue of
economic crimes and the attendant insecurity. Economic crimes have since taken
a new dimension of complexity with no respect for international boundaries. This
has seriously threatened the world economy as well as the physical security and
sociological well being of many countries.
All
countries are vulnerable to the harmful effects of economic crimes. In the USA,
daily foreign exchange transactions is estimated at US $1 trillion, out of
which over US $20 billion is lost to economic and finance related crimes
annually (Robinson, 2005:5). Similarly,
the UK looses ₤25 billion yearly through scam (ibid:6). Commenting on the
amount of money involved in this crime, Edward Jurith, acting director of the
US ONDCP, stated that it stood roughly at US $1 trillion a year. This is
largely realized from drug trafficking (Jurith, 2002:212). This implies that
the volume of economic transactions across the world economies in a day is
huge. It is therefore difficult to track dubious dealings in the midst of
legitimate payments.
The
effect of economic crimes is worse in African countries due to their weak
economic structures, corruption, high rates of unemployment, mass poverty and
poor wealth distribution. These are pre-requisites to the thriving of economic
crimes. When the youths are unemployed and poverty threatens their very
existence, they become prone to anything that guarantees their survival. Thus
in most cases, Internet scam, AFF and drug trafficking become their most viable
options. Similarly, when corruption has eaten into the fabric of a nation,
economic crimes like embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, tax
evasion and currency trafficking become the order of the day.
In
Nigeria, the menace of economic crimes has been on the increase. A lucrative
stock market, a well capitalized banking sector and a weak financial regulatory
mechanism provide the suitable platform for economic crimes to flourish.
Similarly, the lack of stringent policies on corruption has encouraged a lot of
politicians and government officials to embezzle public funds without fear of
ramifications. Several politicians and government officials have been indicted
for embezzlement of public funds within the last decade (Ribadu, 2010:4). Additionally,
illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism are reported on regular basis
leading to reduction in crude oil output. Furthermore, incidences of AFF and
internet scam have persisted in the last decade. These illegal economic
activities have impacted negatively on the Nigerian economy and her
international image. One of the cumulative effects this has on Nigeria is the
reduction in FDI and disruption of economic development. These have had a
direct impact on Nigeria’s national security (ibid:5).
According
to AS Mukhtar (2007:4), threats to Nigeria’s national security include border
conflicts, bad governance, ethnic conflicts, militancy, underdevelopment and
corruption such as economic and financial crimes. Thus, the rate of economic
crime imposes real threats to the national security of the country.
The
fight against economic crime in not new in Nigeria, yet this phenomenon has
continued to spread its tentacles across every sector of the economy. Though
economic crimes cannot be completely eradicated from the society, its frequency
can be greatly reduced through organized planning and calculated measures.
Accordingly, several anti-corruption agencies have been set up to combat
economic and financial crimes in Nigeria. Some of these agencies are the EFCC,
ICPC, NDLEA and NAPTIP among others. The activities of these agencies have
raised hope that economic crimes can be curtailed in Nigeria.
The
World Bank in 2006, ranked Nigeria among 26 countries that risked collapse as a
result of bad governance, corruption and high rate of economic crimes (Alobo,
2006:62). Economic crimes erode the integrity of the financial institutions and
discourage FDI. These are serious challenges to the Nigerian economy that could
undermine her national security. It is against this background that this
researcher is motivated to embark on the study of the effects of economic
crimes on national security and the challenges they constitute to the
anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Economic crimes have been in existence since colonial
times. Initially limited in scope and accorded little importance, economic
crimes started generating public concern in Nigeria from about 1984 when a
decree specifying among others, the death penalty for drug traffickers was
promulgated and backdated. Two citizens found guilty retroactively were
subsequently executed thereby attracting public awareness among the populace
about an otherwise little known crime.
Other economic
crimes such as embezzlement, tax evasion, fraud, money laundering, illegal oil
bunkering, arms and human trafficking and pipeline vandalism soon escalated. The
World Bank estimates that as much as $200 billion has been lost to corruption
and mismanagement in Nigeria since independence in 1960 (Zero Tolerance,
2008:17). In 2007, Ribadu, then EFCC chairman, said on the floor of the Senate
that ‘31 out of 36 governors were indicted for acts of embezzlement of public
funds’ (Newswatch, 2007:6). Despite
sustained efforts to curtail these crimes, the phenomenon has continued to
grow, threatening national security and sustainable development.
Increase in economic
crimes have also taunted Nigeria’s image in international relations. This has
led to the blacklisting of Nigeria by the USA for not doing enough to curb the
involvement of Nigerians in economic crimes. In July 2002 for instance, Nigeria
was decertified and Americans were advised ‘to be wary of transacting business
with Nigerians’ (Sule, 2004:4) Similarly, the Transparency International in
2003, rated Nigeria as the second most corrupt country in the world after
Bangladesh. However, by 2010, Nigeria’s position had dropped to the forty
fourth most corrupt country in the world. But this in no way suggests that
corruption rate had reduced in Nigeria but merely an indication that other
countries had become more corrupt than Nigeria. Nigeria’s CPI still remained
very low (www.transparentcyinternational.
com). Measures so far taken by the government to curb economic crimes have yielded little result.
com). Measures so far taken by the government to curb economic crimes have yielded little result.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
In light of the foregoing, this research seeks to
answer the following questions
a. What is the relationship between economic
crimes and national security?
b. What are the effects of economic crimes
on national security in Nigeria?
c. What measures has Nigeria taken to
combat economic crimes?
d. What factors have militated against the
eradication of economic crimes in Nigeria?
e. What strategies are best suited for the
eradication of economic crimes in Nigeria?
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF
STUDY
The
objective of this study is to examine the effect of economic crimes on national
security in Nigeria. Thereafter, strategies that could assist in eradicating
the menace will be recommended. Specifically, the objectives of the study are
to:
a. Establish the
relationship between economic crimes and national security.
b. Examine
the effect of economic crimes on national security.
c. Examine
steps taken by Nigeria to combat economic crimes.
d. Examine factors militating against the
eradication of economic crimes in Nigeria
e. Suggest strategies to curb economic crimes
in Nigeria.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
. This
study is significant because it seeks to provide the FGN, policy makers and
anti-corruption agencies with a vivid understanding of
economic crimes. Furthermore, it will assist in
informed policy formulation and the institution of more effective measures
against economic crimes. It also seeks to enrich the existing body of
knowledge, provoke further discussions and raise more public awareness on the
menace of economic crimes to the society. It will provide scholars and
researchers with new basic reference materials for further research work on the
subject matter.
1.6 SCOPE OF STUDY
In view of the vastness
of economic crimes, this study paid particular attention to fraud and drug
trafficking as they affect national security, with emphasis on Nigeria’s
experience from 1999 to 2010. Fraud and drug trafficking were particularly
chosen for study because of their very damaging effect on the nation’s image
and their impact on national security. Nigerians are often suspected and
treated as criminals at international ports of entry into other countries just
for being Nigerians. The country’s efforts to attract foreign investments and
accelerate development can hardly be realised unless this problem is resolved.
The study covered the period from 1999
to 2010. This period was chosen because of government’s renewed efforts since
1999 to fight corruption at all levels and in all spheres of the country.
1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY
The major limitation faced during this
study was the poor methods of record keeping by most agencies and institutions.
Similarly, confidentiality of information and documents also posed a
limitation to this research. Consequently,
despite several visits to such agencies, it was difficult to obtain vital
up-to-date information. Another limitation to the study was the
reluctance of some government officials to grant interviews. These limitations notwithstanding, the
researcher used the secondary source to complement dearth faced with the
primary source. The internet was also effectively utilized. Thus these limitations
did not adversely affect the reliability and the validity of the study.
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