This study examines the concepts of diversity and inclusion, synthesizing its applicability in Nigeria’s public bureaucracy. The study utilizes secondary data from policy documents and scholarly works to assess how the concepts could curtail corruption. The study argue that diversity encompasses the understanding of differences and the uniqueness of knowledge, cultural background, identity, dispositions, and skills that shape collective human existence. This study defines diversity as the varying education, knowledge, identity, and dispositions that guide human society. Inclusion is the recognition and the usage of the varying attributes thereof. The study argues that corruption thrives amongst collusive networks that exclude others in their circle; thus, diversity breaks down such networks exponentially by disintegrating the bond that facilitates and hides such collusiveness. The study find that diverse nature of corrupt practices requires an inclusive approach “deliberately/strategically” to curtail it. The study makes an original contribution to academic knowledge through five-step interconnected anti-corruption mechanism which encompasses the development of cultural agility, preventive strategy against corruption, consistent institutional and leadership direction, consistent citizen participation, and capacity building in public service as an implementable framework to address corruption in the public service.
Uzoigwe et al. (Sun,) studied this question.