Nigerian development challenge is partly linked to corruption. Nigeria suffers momentously
from the problem of corruption which begets malnutrition, illiteracy, poverty,
unemployment, hunger, and infrastructure decay. Due to the failures of numerous
development strategies in Nigeria, this paper provides an overview of mass media efforts in
fighting corruption to discern developments and goes on to validates social responsibility
and development media theory in campaigning against corruption. Using secondary data of
Transparency International from (2000-2018) on the World Corruption Perception Index
and Ranking, the study revealed that the media have been very relevant in curbing
corruption and entrenching development through its watchdog role and mass enlightening
in the provision of information that facilitates job creation, economy improvement,
enhanced security and re-orientation of the masses. The study revealed that the level of
bribery, looting of treasury, abuse of power, and secret dealings is perceived to be rapidly
reducing in Nigeria. Further, the study showed that Nigeria moved from 148th to 144th
position out of 180 countries in the 2018 (CPI) report of corrupt countries. Hence, this paper
proposes critical media independence, vibrant and active judicial system coupled with
exemplary leadership for more feasible development schemes in Nigeria.
