The corrupt side of social capital in Nigeria

Social capital is often praised for fostering trust, cooperation, and civic engagement. In many societies, it helps reduce corruption by encouraging accountability. But what happens when corruption is deeply woven into the culture? In Nigeria, social capital can do the opposite—it can protect and sustain corruption instead of eliminating it.

Studies show that informal social obligations, often seen as a form of “social tax,” pressure individuals to prioritise personal networks over merit and fairness. In Nigeria, this means people feel compelled to stay silent about corrupt activities to maintain social harmony. Instead of exposing corruption, many communities shield their own, making accountability nearly impossible.

Trust plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s corruption problem. In places where institutions are weak, people rely more on personal networks than on government structures. While this might seem beneficial, it often leads to nepotism, favouritism, and patronage, where those in power prioritise family and ethnic ties over competence and honesty. Fear of social repercussions prevents individuals from reporting corruption, reinforcing a cycle of wrongdoing.

Collective action, which is supposed to drive accountability, can also work in reverse. In Nigeria, entire communities may rally behind corrupt politicians, business elites, or public officials if they share ethnic or social ties. This “collective corruption” allows public funds to be stolen with little consequence, as long as some benefits trickle down to the community. Instead of demanding transparency, many people accept corruption as part of daily life.

Not all social capital is equal, and understanding its different forms is key to tackling corruption. Bonding social capital, which creates strong ties within close-knit groups, can be beneficial but also leads to exclusivity and insider dealings. In Nigeria, this often manifests in “man-know-man” politics, where opportunities and privileges are distributed based on connections rather than merit. Bridging social capital, which links people across different groups, is much more effective in fighting corruption, but it remains weak due to deep ethnic and class divisions.

Corruption also erodes trust in institutions, creating a vicious cycle. When people see corrupt individuals go unpunished, they become even more dependent on personal networks for survival. This further weakens institutional trust and strengthens corruption. Instead of being a force for good, social capital becomes a tool for exclusion and exploitation.

Read also:Why you must develop, invest in social capital

Economic structures also play a role in reinforcing corruption. Studies show that elites often manipulate labour markets and wages to benefit their networks. In Nigeria, those in power use their influence to limit opportunities for outsiders, ensuring that economic benefits stay within their social circles. This worsens inequality and keeps corruption deeply embedded in society.

The biggest danger of social capital in Nigeria is that it legitimises corruption. It allows political leaders, business elites, and even everyday citizens to justify corrupt practices under the guise of loyalty and social ties. This makes anti-corruption efforts difficult, as entire communities may resist reforms that threaten their existing benefits. Traditional measures of social capital, such as trust and civic participation, fail to capture the ways in which social networks protect corrupt systems.

But there is hope. Social capital can be reshaped to fight corruption instead of sustaining it. Strengthening institutions and promoting trust in governance rather than personal connections is key. Encouraging cross-community engagement can help bridge divides and create broader accountability. Whistleblower protections can give individuals the confidence to report corruption without fear. Education reforms can instill civic responsibility and ethical values in young Nigerians, shifting cultural attitudes toward corruption.

Social capital is a double-edged sword. In its current form, it helps corruption thrive, but with the right reforms, it can be transformed into a powerful tool for accountability. Nigeria’s fight against corruption will depend not just on legal reforms but also on changing how people perceive and use social connections. Only by redefining social capital can Nigeria break the cycle of corruption and build a more transparent and just society.

Abidemi Adebamiwa is a geopolitical analyst and Ph.D. student with expertise in finance, policy, and African development.