The Role of Records Management in Anti-corruption Investigation in Nigeria

Abstract

This dissertation investigates how anti-corruption investigators perceive the impact of records management on their work in Nigeria, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical records management and practical challenges in the field. It explores the perceptions and experiences of these investigators, examining various facets of records management within the context of anti-corruption efforts. These facets include the role of records in investigations, the connection between record integrity and investigation efficiency, the influence of the record life cycle on anti-corruption strategies, and the challenges of implementing electronic recordkeeping.

This study employs a qualitative approach, primarily using semi-structured interviews with 15 anti-corruption investigators from Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The data collected reflect the subjective perceptions and experiences of the participants rather than objective facts. Data were collected in 2020 and analysed using thematic analysis, adopting a constructivist ontology and interpretivist epistemology. In addition, legislative and policy documents were consulted to provide a comprehensive empirical foundation.

The study reveals that, from the perspective of anti-corruption investigators, effective records management is crucial for fostering transparency, accountability, and combating corruption. This underscores the importance of maintaining record integrity throughout the life cycle to provide reliable evidence for successful prosecution of offenders. The study identifies challenges in implementing electronic recordkeeping, such as resistance to adopting technological change and IT apathy, as perceived by investigators. The investigators also highlighted the potential of technologies such as cloud computing and forensic technology to enhance investigative processes. These findings emphasise the need for robust institutional and legal frameworks to support record integrity and improve the efficiency of anticorruption investigations in Nigeria’s public sector.

This dissertation offers a comprehensive examination of the intersection between records management and anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria, providing valuable insights into improving governance and combating corruption through effective records management practices. By adopting a multifaceted approach, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how records management can support transparency, accountability, and good governance, particularly in developing nations. The focus on the perspectives of anti-corruption investigators provides a unique and valuable contribution to the field.

This study has significant implications for practice, policy, and research. For practitioners, this study emphasises the need for meticulous recordkeeping practices and the strategic integration of technology in investigative processes. Policymakers can use these insights to develop policies that prioritise effective records management and technological adoption for anti-corruption efforts. This study also opens avenues for future research, including comparative studies in different contexts and the exploration of emerging technologies in records management for anti-corruption purposes.