Transnational Crimes and Economic Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the phenomenon of transnational crimes, its nature and implications on economic development with a
clear exposure of practical realities and experience of Nigeria. The paper answers questions of how transnational crimes occur
in Nigeria, what are the apparent and latent effects on Nigeria?s economic development, how has international bodies responded
to this phenomenon, are there any action locally and nationally in combating the phenomenon, what are the shortcomings of
both national and international approach and mechanisms, why has the national and international efforts seem very effete? Thus
within the context of socio-legal exposition, the paper utilizes the methodology of descriptive approach using the primary
materials sourced from national legislation, treaties and secondary data sourced from scholarly articles, journals,
reports, periodical and books as well as internet sources . The findings revealed that the phenomenon has eaten deep into the
fabric of Nigeria with attendant peculiar implications stonewalling the national economic development of the country
while the less privileged and local communities are the most unfortunate. It is observed that there are legislation, locally and
internationally, as well as law enforcement machinery, though the response nationally and internationally gathers momentum,
there remains a high incidence of transnational crimes in Nigeria while the machinery remains largely ineffective due to
internal management and external factors, as well as the high rate of poverty, harsh economic condition and lack of political
will which all encouraged high level of impunity and poor enforcement. The paper concludes that for this phenomenon to
be properly addressed and eliminated, there must be a robust international cooperation with clearly mapped out enforceable
instrument of supranational nature in conjunction with a highly punitive national legislation.