CORRUPTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA A STUDY OF AWE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE

The persistence of systemic corruption remains Nigeria's most formidable barrier to grassroots development, significantly impeding economic progress, particularly at the local government level. This study investigates the debilitating effects, manifestations, and mitigation strategies for corruption on economic development and public service delivery within the Awe Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, a critical yet under researched microcosm of the national challenge. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research systematically analyzed the forms of corruption—from petty bribery and project embezzlement to pervasive nepotism—within local governance structures. Findings reveal that these corrupt practices lead directly to the misallocation of resources, drastically inflated project costs, and the resultant deterioration of essential services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Crucially, the study establishes that this persistent rot severely erodes public trust, creating a hostile environment for local investment and sustainable growth. The research concludes by proposing targeted, actionable strategies focused on strengthening local accountability mechanisms, enhancing financial transparency, and fostering greater community oversight. This work provides critical, empirical evidence that local-level anti corruption reforms are indispensable for unlocking Awe LGA's, and by extension, Nigeria's, economic potential.