The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, and Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Akintunde Sawyerr, gathered in Abuja to advocate for sustained collaboration and a strong focus on ethics and integrity in combating corruption.
The discussions took place during the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room, which carried the theme: “Ethics, Integrity, Corruption Risk Assessments, and Anti-Corruption at National and Sub-National Levels.”
The event was jointly organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resource Centre, the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, ICPC, EFCC, and supported by the MacArthur Foundation.
During his address, Olukoyede emphasized that governance should be viewed as a responsibility rather than an opportunity to accumulate wealth. He encouraged leaders and citizens to reflect on their conduct and focus on integrity in governance.
He also stressed the importance of supporting anti-corruption efforts and not defending individuals under investigation for corrupt practices.
The ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, outlined a three-pronged approach to fighting corruption: enforcement, prevention, and public education. He called for collaboration between the government, civil society, the private sector, and the media to strengthen anti-corruption initiatives.
Akintunde Sawyerr advocated for the use of technology to improve transparency and accountability in governance, emphasizing that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund’s internal processes are technology-enabled. He highlighted the broader government’s push to integrate technology into public services.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, pointed out the importance of involving the public, especially in areas where large sums of money are involved.
He urged the EFCC to take more decisive action against corruption and emphasized the need for an alliance with the people, the victims of corruption.
Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, stressed that while Nigeria has sufficient anti-corruption laws, the real challenge is political will. He called on civil society, the media, and the public to help push for accountability and transparency.
The stakeholders collectively urged Nigerians to commit to fighting corruption and support efforts that promote fairness and equity across the nation.
