Effect of money Laundering on the Economy. A case study of Nigeria

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Money laundering is a significant issue that has been affecting the economy of Nigeria for several years. According to Uche and Chibuike (2015), money laundering has a direct impact on the economic and political stability of a country. In Nigeria, the economy has been severely affected by the illicit flow of funds, which has led to a decrease in the country’s GDP. The authors further explain that money laundering has resulted in the loss of public funds, which could have been used for infrastructural development and social services.

The effect of money laundering on Nigeria’s economy is also evident in the financial sector. According to a study by Akindele (2018), money laundering has led to a decrease in the level of foreign direct investments in the country. This is because money laundering creates an unstable economic environment, which deters potential investors. The study further reveals that money laundering has led to a decrease in the value of the Nigerian Naira, which has resulted in inflation and a decrease in the purchasing power of the citizens.

In addition, money laundering has also affected the reputation of Nigeria on the international stage. According to a report by Transparency International (2019), Nigeria ranks high on the corruption index, which is largely due to money laundering activities. This has resulted in a decrease in international trade and economic sanctions from international bodies. The report further states that money laundering has led to a decrease in the level of trust and confidence in the Nigerian economy, which has further deterred foreign investments.

Furthermore, money laundering has also led to an increase in crime rates in Nigeria. According to a study by Ogbu and Orinya (2020), there is a positive correlation between money laundering and crime rates in Nigeria. The authors explain that money laundering provides a source of funding for criminal activities such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and corruption. This has resulted in an increase in crime rates, which has further destabilized the economy.

However, the Nigerian government has been making efforts to curb money laundering and its effects on the economy. According to a report by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) (2021), the government has implemented several anti-money laundering policies and regulations. These include the establishment of the EFCC, the enactment of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, and the implementation of the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy in banks. These measures have resulted in a decrease in money laundering activities and an improvement in the economy.

Money laundering has had a significant impact on the economy of Nigeria. It has led to a decrease in GDP, a decrease in foreign direct investments, a decrease in the value of the Naira, an increase in crime rates, and a decrease in international trade. However, with the implementation of anti-money laundering policies and regulations, there is hope for an improvement in the economy. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of these measures and to develop more effective strategies to combat money laundering in Nigeria.

• Statement of the Problem

Money laundering has been a significant issue affecting the economy of Nigeria. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria loses approximately $2.9 billion annually due to money laundering activities (UNODC, 2018). This illicit activity undermines the integrity of the financial system, distorts the economy, and hampers development.

The effect of money laundering on the Nigerian economy is multifaceted. It leads to a decrease in government revenue, as laundered money often escapes taxation (Uche, 2017). This loss of revenue limits the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, thereby stunting economic growth and development.

Money laundering also contributes to inflation. When large amounts of laundered money are injected into the economy, it increases the demand for goods and services, leading to a rise in prices (Ogbuabor & Ezeaku, 2018). This inflationary pressure erodes the purchasing power of the Nigerian Naira, affecting the standard of living of the average Nigerian citizen.

Furthermore, money laundering erodes public trust in financial institutions. According to a study by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the prevalence of money laundering in Nigeria has led to a lack of confidence in the banking sector (EFCC, 2019). This lack of trust discourages both domestic and foreign investments, further weakening the economy.

The international reputation of Nigeria is also affected by money laundering activities. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has repeatedly placed Nigeria on its “grey list” of countries with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) regimes (FATF, 2020). This negative perception can deter foreign investors, affecting the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country.

Money laundering has a profound and detrimental effect on the Nigerian economy. It reduces government revenue, contributes to inflation, erodes public trust in financial institutions, and tarnishes the country’s international reputation. Therefore, it is crucial for Nigeria to strengthen its AML and CTF regimes to curb this menace and foster economic growth and development.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of money Laundering on the Economy of Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are.

1. To examine the extent to which money laundering affects the economic growth of Nigeria.
2. To identify the sectors of the Nigerian economy most impacted by money laundering activities.
3. To analyze the effectiveness of current anti-money laundering measures implemented by the Nigerian government.
4. To understand the relationship between money laundering and foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. How does money laundering affect the economic growth of Nigeria?
2. Which sectors of the Nigerian economy are most impacted by money laundering activities?
3. How effective are the current anti-money laundering measures implemented by the Nigerian government?
4. What is the relationship between money laundering and foreign direct investment in Nigeria?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

H_O:    Money laundering has no significant effect on the economic growth of Nigeria.

H₁:    Money laundering has significant effect on the economic growth of Nigeria

• Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the effect of money laundering on the economy of Nigeria is multi-faceted and far-reaching. Money laundering, a global menace, has severe implications on the economic stability and growth of a country. In Nigeria, a country rich in natural resources and human capital, the impact of money laundering is particularly profound. It distorts the economy, discourages foreign investment, and promotes corruption. Understanding the extent of this problem is crucial for implementing effective policies and measures to combat it.

Firstly, money laundering in Nigeria distorts the economy by creating artificial inflation. When large amounts of illicit money are injected into the economy, it increases the demand for goods and services, leading to a rise in prices. This inflationary pressure can lead to economic instability, affecting the purchasing power of the average Nigerian and exacerbating income inequality. Studying this effect can help policymakers devise strategies to mitigate these economic distortions.

Secondly, money laundering discourages foreign investment, a critical driver of economic growth. Investors are often wary of economies with high levels of money laundering due to the associated risks and uncertainties. This lack of foreign investment can stifle economic growth and development. By studying this effect, Nigeria can better understand how to attract and retain foreign investment, thereby boosting its economy.

Thirdly, money laundering promotes corruption, which is a significant impediment to economic development. It undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust, and diverts resources away from productive sectors of the economy. By studying the relationship between money laundering and corruption, Nigeria can develop more effective anti-corruption strategies.

Furthermore, money laundering can also lead to reputational damage on a global scale. Countries known for high levels of money laundering are often perceived as high-risk, which can deter international trade and cooperation. This can further isolate Nigeria from the global economy, hindering its economic progress. Studying this effect can help Nigeria improve its international reputation and foster stronger economic ties with other countries.

Lastly, the study of money laundering’s effect on Nigeria’s economy can inform the development of more effective anti-money laundering (AML) strategies. By understanding the specific ways in which money laundering harms the economy, policymakers can tailor their AML efforts to address these areas. This could lead to a more robust and resilient economy, better able to withstand the negative impacts of money laundering.

The significance of studying the effect of money laundering on Nigeria’s economy cannot be overstated. It is a critical step towards understanding and addressing a problem that poses a significant threat to the country’s economic stability and growth. By shedding light on this issue, Nigeria can work towards a more transparent, equitable, and prosperous future.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the effect of money Laundering on the Economy of Nigeria. The study is restricted to Nigeria.

• Operational Definition of Terms

Effect: In the context of this discussion, “effect” refers to the result or consequence of an action or condition. It is the change that is directly caused by an action or cause. In this case, it refers to the impact or changes that money laundering has on the economy of Nigeria.

Money Laundering: This is the process of making large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity, such as drug trafficking or terrorist funding, appear to have come from a legitimate source. The money from the criminal activity is considered dirty, and the process “launders” it to make it look clean.

Economy: The economy refers to the wealth and resources of a country or region, especially in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services. It includes various sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services sector. It also involves the labor force, capital, and resources that contribute to the production and distribution of goods and services in a country. In this context, when we talk about the Nigerian economy, we’re referring to the economic system of Nigeria.

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Effect of money Laundering on the Economy. A case study of Nigeria