Quantitative studies have demonstrated that remittances can slightly improve, but not perfect, the control of corruption in relatively more democratic governments. This raises the question of why a state that continues to benefit from corruption would pass a policy that encourages an increased flow of remittances. Using Nigeria as a case study, I argue that high levels of state corruption are a factor that would lead a state to design a remittance policy that is inefficacious at attracting remittances, but conforms to international norms, enabling the state to attract more FDI and create more rent-seeking opportunities