De-escalation strategies for kleptocracy in Nigeria’s oil sector

Purpose - The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore strategies for the de-escalation of kleptocracy in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Design/methodology/approach - The author used a qualitative case study to facilitate the generation of data from eight research participants in semi-structured open-ended interviews. Findings - The themes that emerged from analysis of interview transcriptions were high self-control, traditional African oath of office, whistleblowing, stiffer penalties for corrupt officials, education and training, self-regulation and sonic therapeutic intervention. Research limitations/implications - Interviewees might withhold information regarding their insights on strategies for de-escalating kleptocracy. That was beyond my control. Practical implications - The study results provided leaders with insightful comprehension of anti-kleptocracy policy in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, leaders would benefit and advance their decision-making process on the development and implementation of an anti-kleptocracy strategy to revamp the financial value of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Social implications - The results of the study have the potential to contribute to positive social change by enlightening government leaders and anti-corruption agencies on strategies to de-escalate kleptocracy in the oil and gas industry. Originality/value - The study’s uniqueness enabled filling the gap in financial crime literature as well as an added value to the applied management and decision sciences domain.