Review of Public Administration and Management

Abstract

Corruption and the Efficiency of Customs Clearance Process in Selected Countries

Daniel Joseph Onogwu

In this study the author presents what is believed to be the first attempt at using micro-level data to evaluate a theory of how corruption affects the customs clearance process in selected African countries between 2007 and 2015 using ordinary least-squares (OLS). The study validates the hypothesis that corruption causes a diversion of effort from clearance functions to unproductive services of negotiating bribe payments. It also finds that improvements in port facilities will improve customs effectiveness. The relationship identified between corruption and the effectiveness of the customs service is robust and includes regulatory quality, government effectiveness and an alternative use of the corruption index.