Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has urged Nigerians to support government efforts in the fight against corruption in all sectors of the economy.
Mahama made the call while speaking at the 53rd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers held in Ilorin, Kwara state, North Central Nigeria.
Mahama said corruption must be fought whether it occurs in the public or private sector stressing that it grows as a result of the failure of the institutions established to fight it.
Mahama explained that those who signed contract documents that produce bad infrastructures have contributed to the destruction of the economy.
According to him, Nigeria is yet to maximise the potential of asset valuation as a tool for nation-building.
He described corruption as an economic malady, which is a global challenge that calls for worldwide response and cooperation in the fight against it.
Mahama added that the international community has embarked on a global anti-corruption fight across several sectors, including real estate.
“Real estate asset and property valuation are a critical factor in asset investment, decision-making and a vital tool for the global fight against corruption.
“To remain relevant in pursuing economic and social progress and distributive justice and equity, your institution as professionals must rise to the occasion and create a more responsive regime to aid Africans’ renaissance and growth. You must work to build an Africa as a centre of excellence in the asset valuation space”, he said.
Mahama also described corruption as an “instrument of murder because its effects can lead to the loss of citizens’ lives due to the deprivation of critical public infrastructure and services.”
The former Ghanian President lamented that Surveyors, Architects, and Engineers who sign off on poorly constructed or shoddy infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, buildings and railways can lead to loss of lives due to fatal accidents.
“Transparency International (TI) says corruption within the private sector is the misuse of power for personal gain” he declared.
Mahama enjoined all stakeholders in Nigeria and the African sub-region to rise and defeat corruption in all its ramifications.
The former Ghanian President also called for the use of an asset declaration mechanism to fight corruption.
In his address, the state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who was represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi said corruption is an endemic problem that retard growth and development.
He advised estate surveyors to partner with the government at all levels to strengthen their operations and contribute to the fight against corruption.
Earlier in his address, the President Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Mr JohnBull Amayevbo, described corruption as a serious phenomenon that affects the economic growth and development of a nation.
He said the institution will collaborate with government agencies to reduce corruption to the minimum.
The theme of the conference is ‘Asset Valuation As A Global Anti-Corruption Tool:- The Nigeria Experience’.
Emmanuel Ukoh
