Socio-Economic Determinants and Implication of Crime Rates in Lagos State, Nigeria, West Africa
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Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization www.
ISSN 2224-3240 (Paper) ISSN 2224-3259 (Online)
Vol.65, 2017
Socio-Economic Determinants and Implication of Crime Rates in
Lagos State, Nigeria, West Africa
Kingsley Esedo, Damien Ejigiri2, Augustine AduFrimpong,Appeaning Alexander Vladimir4, and Ucheoma
Nwagbara5
'Southern University and A & M College, Public Policy Dept. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
1. kingsley esedo@subr.edu, +225-771-4219
2Southern University and A & M College, Public Policy Dept. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
2. dejigiri@vahoo.com, +225-276-7624
3Southern University and A & M College, Public Policy Dept. Baton Rouge, Louisiana and/ or Valley View
University, Box 183, Techiman Campus, Ghana, West-Africa.
3. afaugustine@yahoo.com +225-715-8285
4Southern University and A & M College, Public Policy Dept. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
4. alexanderaeaning @yahoocom, +225-931-2433
4Southern University and A & M College, Public Policy Dept. Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
5. unwagbara@yahoocom, +919-753-4023
Abstract
This study examines the socio-economic determinants and implications of crime rates in Lagos State, Nigeria in
West Africa. The study is quantitative in nature. As a constituent of the sampling, the researchers distributed a
questionnaire to over 800 respondents and analyzed 600 responses by using Cluster-random sampling
techniques. Also, multinomial probit analysis was applied by using respondents 'participation in white-collar
crime as dependent variable, and attitudinal-predisposition statements (dealing with age, ethnicity, gender,
education, unemployment, loss of sovereign, economic hardship, political orientation and aspiration to become
rich overnight) as the independent variables resulted in significant interactions and effects. The study revealed
that age, race, gender, education, unemployment, loss of sovereignty, economic hardship and aspiration to
become rich overnight have influenced the behavior of individuals to engage in crime. Furthermore, the study
illustrated that high crime rates discourages investors, foreign direct investments, grants, stable economic
systems, which threaten the strength of state security. The study recommended that the Government of Nigeria,
Non-Governmental Agencies and other stakeholders should strengthen security efforts and security systems
through the development and implementation of effective policies that can generate better security outcomes for
the citizens and the country.
Keywords: Socio-economic factors, Crime rates, Probit analysis, Sovereignty, Investors and Education
1.0: Introduction
Nigeria, like several other West African countries, has weak security systems, despite its enormous resources
and substantial security budget. Criminal victimization, especially armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, and
rape pose a big challenge with severe impacts on quality of life. One recent survey found that fear of being a
victim of crime is a concern to 75 percent of Nigerians (CLEEN Foundation, 2012). Corruption is pervasive and
deeply rooted in the governance system. According to a new report, Nigerians consider corruption to be third
most important problem they face after high cost of living and unemployment (United Nations Office on Drugs
and Crime & National Bureau of Statistics[UNODC & NBS], 2017).Nigerians spend an estimated N400 billion
($4.6 billion) annually to bribe public officials with the police and judiciary in particular receiving the lion's
share of nearly 50 percent and 33 percent, respectively (UNODC & NBS, 2017).And per Nigeria's Economic
and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria lost more than $380 billion to waste and corruption between
1960 and 1999.More profound, corruption impedes honest public service, ravages the soul of the country and
hinders development. In order to understand the depth of crime and corruption, an anatomy of crimes in Nigeria
is provided.
Genesis of crime in Nigeria:
Nigeria became an independent country from Britain in 1960. During the first-five years of this transition from
colonial rule to indigenous leadership, crime was at its lowest level. After the Nigerian Civil-war (1967-1970),
one of the after-effects of the war was a spike in crime and this was expected because of the ravages of war,
especially economic dislocation and lack of employment opportunities, which are factors that contribute to
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Socio-Economic Determinants and Implication of Crime Rates in Lagos State, Nigeria, West Africa
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