Upholding Human Dignity Through Accountability: ANEEJ Marks AU Anti-Corruption Day 2025
Benin City, Nigeria. July 10, 2025… As Africa unites to commemorate the African Union Anti-Corruption Day 2025, Anti-Corruption Watchdog, the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) stands in solidarity with AU member states, civil society organizations, and citizens across the continent to amplify this year’s powerful theme: “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption.”
In a statement issued to mark the day, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, emphasized that corruption is not an abstract or faceless crime, it is a direct assault on human dignity, disproportionately affecting the poor, marginalized, and voiceless.
“Corruption denies people access to quality education, health care, clean water, and basic infrastructure. It robs communities of opportunity, justice, and hope. This year’s theme reminds us that the fight against corruption is not only a governance imperative but a moral and human one,” Rev. Ugolor stated.
A Human-Centered Fight for Justice
As a frontline civil society organisation dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, human rights, and good governance, ANEEJ reaffirms its commitment to combating corruption through people-focused, justice-driven initiatives. Projects such as the Civil Society Advocacy to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Reforms in Nigeria (CASARN) and monitoring of recovered assets in line with the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles are examples of ANEEJ’s efforts to restore integrity and protect citizens from systemic abuse.
Rev. Ugolor expressed deep concern over the pervasive effects of corruption across the continent. According to research, Africa loses an estimated $88.6 billion annually to corruption and illicit financial flows (IFFs), a staggering 3.7% of the continent’s GDP.
“These losses are not just numbers; they represent stolen futures, broken healthcare systems, underfunded schools, and dying infrastructure. The human cost is incalculable,” he warned.
A Call to Action: Prioritising Dignity in Anti-Corruption Reforms
ANEEJ calls on governments, anti-graft agencies, religious and traditional leaders, the private sector, media, and citizens to approach anti-corruption efforts through a human-centered lens. Promoting dignity in the fight against corruption requires the protection of whistleblowers and frontline activists whose safety and freedom are often threatened for speaking truth to power. It also involves ensuring that recovered assets are managed transparently and returned accountably to benefit the true victims of corruption. Moreover, it calls for the strengthening of social protection systems to serve the poor and marginalized with fairness and integrity, while empowering all citizens particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities to actively demand accountability and justice.
“We must reject any anti-corruption framework that does not put people at the center. Dignity must not be a privilege for the few, it is a right for all,” Rev. Ugolor stressed.
Commendation and Hope
ANEEJ commends the African Union for keeping the spotlight on corruption and for framing it as a threat not just to development but to human dignity itself. We also urge the Nigerian government to scale up reforms that directly address the lived realities of corruption’s victims.
As we commemorate this vital day, let it serve as a call to conscience and collective action. The fight against corruption is, at its heart, a fight for people, for justice, and for the dignity of every African citizen.
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