The Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas Tajudeen, has called for unified and decisive action to tackle the growing issue of corruption in the country. Addressing stakeholders at an event in Abuja commemorating the International Anti-Corruption Day, Abbas emphasized the significant threat corruption poses to Nigeria’s collective progress. He stated that unchecked corruption continues to drain essential resources that could otherwise be used to improve critical sectors such as infrastructure, job creation, education, and healthcare.
During his address, the Speaker expressed concern over the billions of dollars lost annually to corrupt practices, which he described as a serious impediment to the nation’s development. He reaffirmed the commitment of the current House of Representatives to prioritize anti-corruption efforts within its legislative agenda, signaling a thorough approach to combating the issue. He also pointed out that the House is actively reviewing existing anti-corruption laws to strengthen enforcement and close any loopholes that enable corrupt practices.
Abbas further revealed that the House is working on amending the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act to enhance its capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption cases effectively. In addition, the House is advancing the Whistleblower Protection Bill to encourage individuals to report corrupt practices without fear of reprisal. “Our increased oversight of government institutions complements these efforts to ensure public resources are managed with the utmost integrity and accountability,” he stated.
While commending the House Committee on Anti-Corruption for its leadership in the fight against corruption, Abbas also highlighted that legislative efforts alone would not suffice in eradicating the issue. “The fight against corruption requires a collaborative approach involving civil society, the private sector, and the international community. It is not just a governance issue; it is a moral imperative that tests the integrity of our institutions and our leaders’ commitment,” he said.
The Speaker called on his fellow lawmakers to lead by example, ensuring that their actions reflect the highest standards of integrity. He expressed the belief that, with collective efforts, Nigeria could overcome corruption and build a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, free from the debilitating effects of corrupt practices. He also pointed out the social consequences of corruption, noting how it deepens societal inequities and further marginalizes vulnerable groups. “Corruption destroys trust in public institutions, leading to widespread disillusionment and a weakened social contract between the government and the people,” he stated.
The Speaker also highlighted the significant strides made by the Nigerian National Assembly in addressing corruption through legislative reforms aimed at institutionalizing accountability. He cited landmark laws such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Act, which strengthens the country’s ability to track illicit financial flows, and the Proceeds of Crime Act, which ensures the effective recovery and management of assets acquired through corrupt practices. Abbas also pointed to the amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), which increases transparency in corporate governance and curtails opportunities for corruption in the private sector.
Mr. Kayode Akiolu, the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, emphasized that corruption goes beyond financial misappropriation. He described it as a deviation from acceptable standards of conduct that undermines fairness, justice, and the common good. “Corruption manifests in various forms, including abuse of power, favoritism, nepotism, and neglect of ethical governance,” Akiolu noted. He also called for a collective effort to combat corruption, stressing that it requires the involvement of various stakeholders, including the youth, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.
Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), echoed these sentiments, stating that the fight against corruption is a fight for every Nigerian. He underscored the importance of prevention as the most effective means of combating corruption.
International Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually on December 9 since the passage of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2003, served as a platform to raise public awareness about the fight against corruption. The day was marked by calls for youth-driven solutions and a renewed collective effort to restore integrity and foster accountability in governance.
Gathered by: Onoro Promise Edesiri