Abstract
Corruption has been a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigerian nation; traversing both the public and private sectors. It has caused decay and dereliction within the infrastructure of government and the society in physical, social and human terms. Corruption has been identified as one of the main problems confronting the administration of justice and enforcement of the rule of law in Nigeria. This paper examined the meanings, nature and dimensions of corruption, especially as it applies to Nigeria. It also examined the concept of the rule of law, in both its archaic and contemporary meanings; and how it is meant to operate in an ideal setting. Furthermore, it examined the nature and pattern of the administration of justice in Nigeria, with the overall view of discovering how and to what extent the plague of corruption has impacted on the rule of law and the administration of justice in Nigeria. This paper considers the justice sector to be an indispensable part of one of the arms of government. It finds that like every other sector in Nigeria, the justice sector is not without its challenges, notable of which is pervasive corruption which undermines the rule of law and also hinders quick and equitable administration of justice. The paper suggested various reforms that can tackle the challenges.
Keywords: Corruption, Rule of Law, Administration of Justice, Nigeria.