On Monday, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, called for the ratification and full implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption. Speaking at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the need for concrete actions beyond mere commitments.
Tinubu announced Nigeria’s donation of a building to serve as NACIWA’s permanent headquarters, underscoring the country’s dedication to bolstering regional anti-corruption efforts. This move, he stated, is intended to provide a solid operational foundation for NACIWA and strengthen its institutional capacity.
Key Points from Tinubu’s Address:
- Call to Action: Tinubu urged ECOWAS member states to not only ratify the anti-corruption protocol but also to implement it effectively. He emphasized the need for a shift from verbal commitments to tangible actions.
- Focus Areas: The President highlighted several areas where action is needed, including harmonizing legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals, enhancing cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery, and investing in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corruption.
- Public Procurement and Resource Management: Tinubu stressed the importance of transparency in public procurement and resource management. He also called for greater engagement with civil society and media to support anti-corruption efforts.
Tinubu reflected on the dangers of corruption, describing it as a significant barrier to development and prosperity. He argued that corruption undermines societal structures, erodes public trust, and hampers equitable resource distribution.
Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Efforts:
- Strengthening Agencies: Tinubu outlined steps taken to combat corruption in Nigeria since he assumed office in 2023. This includes reinforcing anti-corruption agencies by ensuring they are well-funded and operate independently without interference.
- Template for Other States: He proposed that other ECOWAS states adopt similar measures to strengthen their anti-corruption frameworks.
Support from Other Officials:
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar: Tuggar described corruption as a cancer that threatens Africa’s stability and development. He emphasized the need for regional and global cooperation to combat corruption effectively.
- Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi: Fagbemi stressed that fighting corruption is crucial for securing a better future for nations and called for diligent implementation of anti-corruption policies.
- EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede: Olukoyede praised Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and urged collaborative efforts to enhance anti-corruption strategies. He called for a focus on legal and institutional reforms, cross-border cooperation, and leveraging technology in the fight against corruption.
The assembly underscored the urgency of a coordinated and committed approach to tackling corruption in West Africa. Through shared expertise and collaborative efforts, the leaders hope to establish a more transparent and prosperous region.
