FG urges MDAs to tackle corruption

The Federal Government has urged Ministries, Departments, Agencies and bodies involved in fighting corruption to intensify their efforts and strengthen their commitment to eradicating corruption in the country.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), issued this directive on Friday in Abuja during the Validation Meeting of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Action Plan.

The Ministry of Justice organised the NACS validation meeting with support from the European Union/International IDEA, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.

Fagbemi explained that after a series of consultations, it was concluded that the NACS Action Plan should be reviewed to achieve better results.

He stated, “Following a series of consultations and collaboration among the 22 MDAs with anti-corruption and accountability mandates, it became essential to review the NACS Action Plan to ensure enhanced participation, effectiveness, and responsiveness.”

He outlined the five pillars of the NACS Action Plan, which focuses on driving both public and private sectors as well as national and subnational levels of government: prevention of corruption, public engagement, campaign for ethical re-orientation, enforcement and sanctions, and recovery and management of proceeds of crime.

Nigeria adopted the ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight Against Corruption in 2001. In July 2003, Nigeria joined other member states in adopting the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. Additionally, in October 2003, member states of the United Nations, including Nigeria, signed the United Nations Convention Against Corruption to address the rising incidence of global corruption.

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms, Jane Onwumere, explained that the purpose of the action plan review is to bring the strategy document to life, aiming to minimize corruption for effective and efficient service delivery.

She highlighted the progress made from the action plan, noting critical legislation such as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022; the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022; the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021; and the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, among others.

The event was attended by the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Secretary of the Public Complaints Commission, along with other anti-corruption heads and accountability bodies.

Also present were the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), and the NBA President-elect, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), among other stakeholders.