Experts have decried Nigeria’s enduring battle against corruption, pointing to systemic failures despite ongoing efforts by government institutions to end the menace.
They called for stronger leadership, integrity, and increased public participation, while highlighting the inefficiencies plaguing the country’s anti-corruption systems.
At a forum held in Ikeja, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), in collaboration with the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), convened a gathering to discuss the deep-rooted issue of corruption and the inefficiency of Nigeria’s anti-graft institutions.
CDHR President, Debo Adeniran, pointed out the grim reality of corruption in Nigeria, revealing that the country had lost over $400 billion to corruption in 2012.
Adeniran emphasised that corruption remains Nigeria’s greatest challenge, despite numerous government efforts to combat it.
“Corruption impairs the authorities’ capacity to secure the welfare of all citizens. In 2012, it was estimated that Nigeria had lost over $400 billion to corruption since independence. Despite multiple anti-graft measures, the issue persists due to greed, tribalism, and the lack of public awareness about corruption reporting systems,” Adeniran stated.
He further stressed that formal mechanisms for reporting corruption exist but are underutilised by the public.
Similarly, Assistant Commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bariboloka Florence, emphasised that combating corruption starts with personal integrity.
“Corruption is about the abuse of office for personal gain. At the ICPC, we believe it begins with the individual. If people uphold integrity, corruption will diminish,” Florence stated.
She highlighted the ICPC’s educational outreach programmes, such as the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), which are aimed at sensitising youth and public officials.
Despite these preventive efforts, Florence acknowledged significant challenges, particularly the reluctance of the public to report corrupt practices.
“The problem lies with the political will and the readiness to report cases of corruption. We encourage citizens to use our reporting channels, including a toll-free hotline and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram,” she said.
She also expressed concern over the lack of media attention to corruption at the local level, accusing some journalists of prioritising financial inducements over investigative reporting.
Special Adviser in the Office of Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, Dr. Abiodun Afolabi represented by Aruna Ayodeji, also emphasised that corruption is a societal problem involving both givers and takers.
“Nigeria must shift from being reactive to being proactive in addressing corruption. The absence of timely government action often discourages whistleblowers from coming forward,” Ayodeji noted.
From a law enforcement perspective, Police Area ‘F’ Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Okafor, underscored the importance of leadership in curbing corruption.
“When the head is right, the body falls into place. The Inspector General of Police is committed to eradicating corruption, but the responsibility is shared. If there are no givers, there will be no takers,” Okafor remarked.
He reiterated the need for citizens to report corrupt practices and pledged the police’s commitment to addressing such cases.
