Abstract: Corruption in Nigeria is pervasive and endemic to such an extent that the country is rated the third most corrupt nation in the world. So many scholars have traced the roots of this social malaise to military incursion into politics. But recent events, particularly under democratic rule since 1999, show that corruption is not limited to a particular regime type, but it is very inherent in the Nigerian system. A usually expected concomitance of democracy, apart from representativeness, openness, accountability, probity and popular participation, is development. Unfortunately, the problem of corruption has not allowed Nigerians to enjoy such dividends of democracy. In Nigeria, those occupying governmental positions are benefiting from the state at the expense of the collective interest. Corruption in government increases poverty and weakens governments and lessens their ability to fight poverty. Though there seems to be a determined effort on the part of President Olusegun Obasanjo to fight corruption, unfortunately his efforts are not only not supported by many, but such efforts are also being sabotaged by many. Corruption in Nigeria manifests itself in a number of ways: in the electoral system, bureaucratic system, social system, political system, cultural system, etc. This study argues that as long as corruption continues in the Nigerian system, it would be difficult for the country to develop. It concludes that efforts should be made to stamp out corruption, so that the incidence of poverty in the land can be reduced.