President Bola Tinubu said yesterday his government was winning the war against corruption, citing the strengthening of anti-corruption agencies and the political will to implement the ECOWAS protocol against corruption, among other measures.
He spoke at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa, NACIWA, themed ‘’Strengthening Regional Cooperation in the Fight Against Corruption,’’ in Abuja yesterday.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stated that his government has worked diligently to ensure the independence and adequate funding of anti-corruption agencies, encouraging them to operate within the law.
The President, who also recommended this template to other states in West Africa, said: “Corruption remains one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations. It undermines the fabric of our societies, erodes public trust, and impedes the equitable distribution of resources.
“As leaders, we are responsible for confronting this challenge with unwavering resolve and concerted actions.
“Over the past year, we have worked hard to strengthen all the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring they are adequately funded. We have also encouraged them to operate within the law. This is a template I recommend to other states within the region.”
The President emphasized the importance of implementing the ECOWAS protocol against corruption, which aims to strengthen institutions for regional unity.
He urged member states to renew their commitment to the cause and move beyond rhetoric to concrete actions.
Tinubu stated further: “I am pleased to note the progress we have made in this endeavour. The constructive collaboration between NACIWA and ECOWAS has yielded tangible results, fostering greater cooperation and information sharing among our national anti-corruption agencies.
“However, we must not rest on our laurels. The evolving nature of corruption demands that we constantly innovate and adapt our strategies.
“As we deliberate on implementing the ECOWAS protocol against corruption, I urge all member states to renew their commitment to this cause. Let us move beyond rhetoric and focus on concrete actions.”
In his keynote address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, stressed the need for regional and global cooperation in the fight against corruption, citing the links among corruption, insecurity, and illicit financial flows.
He emphasized the need for concerted action, citing the loss of $88.6 billion to illicit financial flows, which demands constant innovation and adaptation in anti-corruption strategies.
Tuggar further stressed the importance of promoting a culture of integrity and transparency in the region.
“On a continental level, the menace of corruption is intimately tied to illicit financial flows, which siphon billions of dollars from Africa every year.
“The continent loses an estimated $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows, equivalent to around 3 per cent of Africa’s GDP.
“These funds, often hidden in tax havens and opaque financial systems, represent stolen resources that could have been used to build schools, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure.
“Illicit financial flows weaken our economy, deprive governments of essential revenue and deepen the cycle of poverty and suffering.
“The link between illicit funds and insecurity is clear: where there is widespread corruption and financial crimes, there is instability and conflict.
“Corruption, insecurity, and illicit financial flows are interconnected, and we must address them collectively.
“Regional and global cooperation are essential in the fight against corruption, and we must work together to overcome this challenge.
“Nigeria is committed to regional cooperation in the fight against corruption, and we will continue to work with NACIWA to achieve our common goals.
“We must promote a culture of integrity and transparency in our region. We will continue to engage with regional and international partners to combat corruption and promote regional cooperation,’’ the minister said.
Following Tuggar’s address, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized the importance of legal cooperation and harmonization among member states to ensure the success of the anti-corruption agenda.
He noted that legal cooperation was crucial in addressing the complex nature of corruption and ensuring effective prosecution of corruption cases.
Fagbemi said: “Legal cooperation and harmonization among member states are essential to ensure the success of the anti-corruption agenda.
“We must work together to address the legal challenges of corruption and promote regional cooperation. The Attorney-General’s office is committed to supporting NACIWA in its efforts to promote regional cooperation and combat corruption.
“We will continue to work with regional and international partners to promote legal cooperation and combat corruption. Corruption is a regional and global challenge, and we must work together to overcome it.”
In his remarks, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, lauded the federal government’s donation of a permanent headquarters for NACIWA in Abuja, symbolising the solidification of the regional anti-corruption framework.
While noting that the gesture represented a significant milestone in the organization’s history, Olukoyede said: “A fundamental development from the Annual General Assembly is that we now have a headquarters for NACIWA in Abuja, donated by the Nigerian government.
“This represents a significant milestone in our organization’s history. This gesture not only provides us with a physical home but also symbolizes the solidification of our regional anti-corruption framework.”(Vanguard)
