REINVIGORATING THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA
BY PAUL ODOKARA.
The recent improvement made by Nigeria in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) rating for the year 2024 has been commended by stakeholders in the Nigerian project even though it was a slight improvement over the past years. According to Transparency International (TI), Nigeria scored 26 points out of 100 on the 2024 Corruption Perception Index ranking 140 out of 180 countries. This is a marginal improvement considering that previous scores and rankings between 2019 and 2023 have been abysmally low. In 2023, Nigeria scored 25 points and was ranked 145 out of 180 countries by TI. The continued low scores and ranking of Nigeria on the corruption perception index (CPI) by Transparency Internation (TI) underscores the need for a reinvigorated fight against corruption in Nigeria. Interestingly, recent actions by the federal government and anti-corruption agencies give credence to a renewed onslaught against corruption.
It is no longer news that Nigeria is the poverty capital of the world given that 133 million Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The paradox of high poverty in Nigeria despite abundant natural and human resources can be attributed to corruption at all levels of government. High unemployment rate, high infant and maternal mortality rate are all linked to corruption across the country. Sadly, primary health care facilities are moribund and poorly equipped where existent simply because funds meant for these facilities are either largely diverted or embezzled.
In view of the above, it is heartwarming that there is a renewed vigor by government to fight corruption in Nigeria. This was exemplified recently by the inauguration of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy II (NACS II) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Committee. Speaking at the inauguration, the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi stressed the significance of institutionalization of accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the public sector. He reiterated the fact that corruption impedes Nigeria’s development, undermines trust and effective service delivery across public and private institutions.
Mr. Fagbemi highlighted the critical role the M&E Committee plays in implementing the NACS Action Plan 2022-2026 focusing on five pillars: prevention of corruption, Public Engagement, Ethical Re-Orientation, Enforcement and Sanctions as well as Asset Recovery and Management. With the inauguration of this important committee, it is expected that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government will go further to ensure the full implementation of the NACS II 2022-2026 by taking a critical look at the lessons learned in the first phase (NACS I) and implementing the recommendations submitted in the NACS I report.
It is therefore pertinent to remind government that there is need for adequate funding of the NACS II M&E Committee to ensure that they carry out their mandate according to the set timelines. Moreover, it is important that government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) own the corruption fight through the implementation of the NACS in their various offices.
Again, there is need for sub-national governments to domesticate the NACS in their States. It is noteworthy that some states have not only domesticated the NACS but have also set up structures and institutions for effective implementation. Other states should emulate these states to minimize the incidence of corruption in their respective states. Also, there is need for more sensitization and awareness creation for Nigerian citizens -public and private institutions to understand the contents of the NACS and implement the provisions.
Only last year, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgement granted financial autonomy to local government councils across the country. This courageous act by the Supreme Court is seen as a move to enhance transparency and accountability of funds allocated to local governments in the country. This singular act by the apex court was widely hailed by Nigerians who believe that it will improve transparent governance and development at the grassroots. The federal government therefore should ensure the full implementation of this judgement to enhance governance at the local government level.
Fighting corruption in a multi-ethnic, religious and cultural country like Nigeria requires a multi-prong approach that takes into consideration the systems, the society and appropriate sanctions for culprits. In addition to the measures taken by government so far in the renewed fight against corruption in the country, the following recommendations should be considered.
Strengthen the Institutions charged with fighting corruption. While the institutions in Nigeria are doing all within their power to wage war against corruption, there is need to strengthen the institutions by empowering them to go all out to diligently investigate, arrest and prosecute criminals. The 21 institutions in the country with anti-corruption mandate should be streamlined to ensure that those with overlapping functions are merged or scrapped to save scarce resources needed in other demanding areas and the agency rivalry that has dogged the anti-corruption war over the years. It is also important to constantly review their enabling laws to give them more powers and independence and insulate the agencies from undue political interference.
At this moment in our history where Nigerian youths are getting involved in cybercrime otherwise known ‘’Yahoo Yahoo’’ as a means of survival, there is need to sensitize the public on the dangers of ill-gotten wealth. Engaging the citizens and the youths on issues of corruption and crime will no doubt help to stem the tide of their involvement in criminal activities. In view of this, it is imperative for government to pass into law and sign the Whistle Blower Protection Bill that has been in the National Assembly since 2016. This will give citizens the confidence to report corrupt activities by public officials and own the fight against corruption.
Furthermore, the application of appropriate sanctions to convicted officials will serve as a deterrent to others. To achieve this, there is a need to ensure judicial reforms to strengthen the judiciary in the prosecution of corruption cases. It does not make sense that while people who commit minor offences are given harsh penalties or sentences, politically exposed persons (PEPs) involved in grand corruption are merely given a slap on the wrist.
By reducing corruption in the system, more resources will be freed to cater to social services like education, health and critical infrastructure. Nigeria should work towards higher rating in the corruption perception index as this would improve her image in the international community and boost investors’ confidence thereby attracting the much-needed foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the country.
As Nigeria continues to recover humongous assets from corrupt officials, there is need to channel these resources to the provision of social services including social protection for the most vulnerable in the country. This is one way that the renewed onslaught against corruption can benefit poor Nigerians who are the victims of corruption.
Paul Odokara is ANEEJ Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and Member representing ANEEJ at the NACS II M&E Committee.