An Assessment of Corrupt Practices in Nigeria’s Political System: A Rawlsian Approach

  • Chidi Paul Orji University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Tijani Taiwo Egberongbe Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria
  • Peter Damian Ezechi Chukwu Gregory University, Uturu Abia State, Nigeria
  • Rufus Godswill Nwagbara Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

It is no longer only conjecture that corruption exists in Nigerian society; rather, it is now seen as a national embarrassment. In contemporary Nigerian society, it is among the primary issues brought on by the persistent corruption. Many attempts to halt the spread of this beast have been made at different times throughout the history of our nation. The research paper employed conceptual, critical, and analytical methodologies to try to answer the question of what Rawls' ethical philosophy would suggest and recommend about the effects of corruption on contemporary Nigerian society. According to Rawls, the primary concerns of ethical philosophy are proper human behavior and the underlying tenets of society. Rawls contends that rather than being coercive or punitive in nature, policies should be created that are primarily preventative. Codes of ethics that specify appropriate conduct for both individuals and governments are examples of such policies.


Keywords: John Rawls, Corruption, Ethical Philosophy, Nigeria

Published
2025-03-31
How to Cite
ORJI, Chidi Paul et al. An Assessment of Corrupt Practices in Nigeria’s Political System: A Rawlsian Approach. NIU Journal of Social Sciences, [S.l.], v. 11, n. 1, p. 47-55, mar. 2025. ISSN 3007-1690. Available at: <https://www.kampalajournals.ac.ug/ojs/index.php/niujoss/article/view/2075>. Date accessed: 05 apr. 2026. doi: https://doi.org/10.58709/niujss.v11i1.2075.