During the forum, representatives from the EFCC, National Orientation Agency, and the Police Inspector General pledged enhanced collaboration with stakeholders in combating both public and private sector corruption.
Participants at the one-day National Forum of 36th Anti-Corruption Situation organised in Abuja by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), have decried Nigeria’s weak judicial system and the country’s weak fight against corruption.
The forum asked President Bola Tinubu to implement more stringent measures in combating corruption to improve the country's low global anti-corruption ratings.
The participants at the forum organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, expressed concern over Nigeria's anti-corruption effectiveness, currently rated at 25%, saying that Nigeria’s anti-corruption current rating falls below global standards.
The participants emphasised that President Tinubu must demonstrate courage and political will to reduce favoritism, uphold the rule of law, and champion ethical standards to elevate Nigeria's integrity, transparency, and international standing.
Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, highlighted corruption's detrimental effects on socio-economic growth, poverty levels, stability, and human welfare in Nigeria.
Acknowledging recent efforts against corruption under President Tinubu, participants called for a more decisive departure from past practices.
The Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima, urged sustained engagement in anti-corruption efforts for the benefit of all, particularly emphasising the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
During the forum, representatives from the EFCC, National Orientation Agency, and the Police Inspector General pledged enhanced collaboration with stakeholders in combating both public and private sector corruption.
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Kayode Oladele, advocated for applying federal character principles to address national imbalances and grievances.
Professor Adele Jinadu underscored in his presentation that corruption erodes the national fabric and impedes growth and prosperity.
In a communique issued at the forum's conclusion, participants criticised Nigeria's democratic institutions for inadequately resisting manipulation by politically exposed individuals.
They noted the judiciary's weaknesses, citing delays and frivolous adjournments in corruption cases, and highlighted disparities between corruption allegations received, investigations conducted, and actual convictions secured.
The communique also emphasised the urgent need for a revamped approach to anti-corruption efforts, including a revised national orientation framework, establishment of community groups for public education, and reforms to enhance the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies' efficacy.
Part of the communique reads, “The Government should set up community groups to sensitise the people; set up a new independent agency to replace the National Orientation Agency, (NOA) which has become a mere mouthpiece for the government of the day and also resuscitate Public Complaints Commission. In Ghana there is the national civil orientation agency which is independent of the Government.”
Furthermore, the forum called for justiciable socio-economic rights supported by robust legislation, curbing incumbency powers, and ensuring independent funding mechanisms for anti-corruption agencies.
The event drew a diverse range of attendees, including officials from the MacArthur Foundation, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Office of the Police Inspector General, the Code of Conduct Bureau, and the National Orientation Agency, represented by their Director General.
Keynote speakers examined topics such as the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures under President Tinubu's administration, political interference in anti-corruption efforts, and judicial independence in prosecuting corruption cases.
The event also featured the launch of HEDA's latest publication, 'Revenue Administration and Governance Constraints: Transparency and Accountability Gaps in Nigeria’s Public Sector'.