AN ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF CORRUPTION AND ITS EFFECT ON THE RULE OF LAW AS THE FOIL OF ECONOMY BREAK DOWN IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY AT MAIDUGURI METROPOLITAN COUNCIL (M.M.C).

ABSTRACT This study titled "An Analysis of the Impact of Corruption and Its Effect on the Rule of Law as the Foil of Economic Breakdown in Nigeria: A Case Study of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC)" investigates the intricate relationship between corruption, the rule of law, and economic development in a conflict-affected urban environment. Corruption remains one of the major impediments to Nigeria' s governance and economic stability, manifesting through political, bureaucratic, and systemic dimensions. In Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, these challenges are further exacerbated by insecurity, weak institutions, and humanitarian crises, leading to diversion of public funds, extortion, and mismanagement of resources. The study adopts a descriptive survey research design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a comprehensive analysis. The population comprises local government officials, legal practitioners, business owners, civil society representatives, and residents (including internally displaced persons). Data are collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, complemented by secondary sources such as government reports and academic literature. The data are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative responses, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The research is anchored on Principal-Agent Theory, Collective Action Theory, Institutional Decay Theory, and Economic Development Theory, which collectively explain how weak institutions, systemic corruption, and eroded accountability mechanisms contribute to legal decay and economic decline. Findings are expected to reveal that corruption significantly undermines the enforcement of the rule of law, weakens institutional credibility, and precipitates economic breakdown in MMC. The study contributes to both theoretical and policy discourse by filling a gap in localized research on corruption in conflict-affected areas of Northern Nigeria. It offers practical recommendations for strengthening accountability, reinforcing the rule of law, and promoting sustainable economic development at the local government level.