President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged West African nations to bolster their anti-corruption frameworks, emphasizing the need for robust institutions capable of tackling graft across the region.
Speaking at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) in Abuja, Tinubu called for enhanced support and operational independence for anti-corruption agencies.
Addressing delegates through Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu stressed the detrimental impact of corruption on national development, urging regional leaders to confront this issue with unwavering resolve. He highlighted his efforts in Nigeria over the past year to strengthen anti-corruption agencies by ensuring their independence and adequate funding, and he encouraged other West African states to adopt similar measures.
“Corruption remains one of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations,” Tinubu stated. “As leaders, we must confront this challenge head-on, drawing strength from the ECOWAS protocols to reinvigorate our collective fight against corruption.”
The President called for improved cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery, investment in advanced technologies to detect and prevent corruption, and greater transparency in public procurement. He also announced Nigeria’s donation of a property in Abuja to serve as NACIWA’s permanent headquarters, reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional anti-corruption efforts.
In his remarks, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, commended President Tinubu’s dedication to transparency, noting that the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption is a moral imperative requiring innovative approaches and collective action.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized the critical role of legal cooperation among member states, while Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar linked corruption to regional instability and called for continued international support to close financial loopholes and repatriate stolen assets.
The three-day assembly, which brings together participants from across West Africa, aims to strengthen collaborative efforts in combating corruption and fostering good governance throughout the region.
