The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, has identified corruption and illicit financial flows as a threat to the development of Nigeria and African as a continent.
The Chairman made this known when the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s (UNODC) was unveiling 2030 Strategic Vision for Nigeria in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital.
Professor Owasanoye warned that corruption and illicit financial flows may hamper Nigeria and Africa’s ability to realise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) if not tackled.
He noted that, “the illicit and sometimes criminal consignment of resources to foreign jurisdictions undermines domestic resource mobilization.”
He added that, “Beneficiaries of corruption and enablers of illicit financial flows undermine governments and state institutions.”
“A vision and plan of action underwriting the resilience of vital institutions, including anti-corruption agencies and justice system are critical to the achievement of the core SDG vision of leaving no one behind.” Professor Bolaji explained.
Improve the rule of law
Professor Owasanoye praised the UNODC for the launching of the Strategic Vision, as it would strengthen crime prevention, enhance justice, address organised crime, ensure a balanced response to drugs and improve the rule of law.
“I therefore commend the UNODC for the Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030. The ICPC will continue to work with UNODC and other stakeholders in the justice sector to realise our shared vision of a crime free society.”
The UNODC, in collaboration with government stakeholders, civil society and academia, private sector and development partners, had developed the strategic vision to assist Nigeria to achieve its SDGs as well as combat corruption, terrorism, economic and financial crimes as well as crimes associated to drugs.
Lateefah Ibrahim
