The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas Tajudeen, has called for concerted efforts to curb corruption in Nigeria.
He warned that unchecked corruption significantly threatens Nigeria’s collective progress.
He made the call while addressing stakeholders at an event commemorating the International Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja.
He highlighted how corruption has drained vital resources that could otherwise be invested in infrastructure, job creation, education, and healthcare.
The speaker decried the billions of dollars lost annually to corrupt practices.
Speaker Abbas said the current House of Representatives had prioritised anti-corruption in its legislative agenda, reflecting its unwavering commitment to addressing the issue comprehensively, while also reviewing existing anti-corruption laws to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and close any legal loopholes enabling corrupt practices.
He disclosed that the House is currently working to amend the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act to enhance its capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases, while also advancing the Whistleblower Protection Bill to encourage individuals to expose corrupt practices without fear of reprisal.
“Our increased oversight of government institutions complements these efforts to ensure public resources are managed with the utmost integrity and accountability,” Mr. Abbas said.
While commending the House Committee on Anti-Corruption for its outstanding efforts in leading this fight, he also said that legislative efforts alone are insufficient to eradicate corruption.
“The fight against corruption requires a collaborative approach involving civil society, the private sector, and the international community. Corruption is not just a governance issue; it is a moral imperative that tests our institutions’ integrity and our leaders’ commitment. As parliamentarians, we must lead by example, ensuring our actions reflect the highest standards of probity and dedication to public service. The task before us is enormous, but so is our determination to overcome it.
“Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to eradicating corruption, promoting good governance, and fostering sustainable development. Together, we can build a Nigeria where every citizen has an opportunity to thrive, free from the debilitating effects of corruption,” he said.
The speaker noted how corruption deprived the social fabric by deepening inequities and further marginalizing vulnerable groups.
“Equally troubling is how corruption destroys trust in public institutions, leading to widespread disillusionment and a weakened social contract between the government and the governed,” he stated.
He urged leaders and policymakers to confront the challenge with unwavering resolve and creative solutions.
He disclosed that the Nigerian National Assembly has made significant strides in addressing corruption through legislative efforts aimed at institutional reform and accountability by passing critical laws such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Act, “which strengthens our capacity to track illicit financial flows, and the Proceeds of Crime Act, which ensures effective recovery and management of assets acquired through corrupt means.”
Adding that another landmark reform is the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) amendment, which enhances transparency in corporate governance, thereby curbing avenues for corruption in the private sector.
Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Mr. Kayode Akiolu said that corruption transcends financial misappropriation or outright theft, adding that at its core, corruption reflects a deviation from acceptable standards of conduct.
“It undermines the principles of fairness, justice, and common good. It manifests in various forms, including abuse of power, favouritism, nepotism, and the neglect of ethical governance. When public officers abandon their duty to serve the people in favour of self-interest, the social fabric is eroded, economic progress is stunted and the trust of the citizens is betrayed.
“Looking ahead, we recognize that the fact against corruption is not the responsibility of one Committee, agency or government. It requires a collective effort. Thus, we are committed to fostering closer integration and synergy with other stakeholders, including the youth, civil society, organized private sector, and international partners.
“Corruption affects us all and the solution lies in unified sustained action. We must put our hands on deck to shape a society where integrity is non-negotiable and accountability is the norm.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, said the fight against corruption is a fight for every Nigerian, adding that the best to fight corruption is prevention.
International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on December 9 since the passage of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on October 31, 2003, to raise public awareness on anti-corruption.
The day was used to highlight the need for youth-driven solutions and call for a collective effort to restore integrity and foster accountability in governance.
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