*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urges ECOWAS member-states to implement the anti-graft protocol, maintaining that the region鈥檚 future hinges on its capacity to build transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structures to serve the interests of the people, as he sites NACIWA’s permanent headquarters in Nigeria

Alexander Davis | 绿帽献妻

In its determination to eradicate corruption in the region, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged the member-countries to ratify, and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption as a matter of necessity.

From mere commitment and intention, President Tinubu urged ECOWAS member-states to take action by implementing the anti-graft protocol, maintaining that the region鈥檚 future hinges on its capacity to build governance structures that are not just transparent, accountable, and efficient, but also serve the interests of the people.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Monday, August 19, 2024, stated the Nigerian leader, who made the call during the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), at the ECOWAS Secretariat, in Abuja, FCT, announced Nigeria鈥檚 donation of an office building for the permanent headquarters of NACIWA in the country.

Tinubu, represented at the event by Vice-President Kashim Shettima said: 鈥淚n recognition of NACIWA’s pivotal role in our regional anti-corruption efforts, I am proud to announce that the Nigerian government has donated a property to serve as NACIWA’s permanent headquarters.

鈥淭his gesture underscores our commitment to strengthening NACIWA’s institutional capacity and providing a solid operational foundation. As we deliberate on implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, I urge all member states to renew their commitment to this cause.鈥�

The ECOWAS Chairman also asked member-countries of the regional body to move beyond rhetoric and focus on concrete actions targeted at harmonising their 鈥渓egal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals.鈥�

The President enumerated other tangible actions required to include enhancing cross-border cooperation in investigations and asset recovery, investing in innovative technologies to detect and prevent corrupt practices, promoting transparency in public procurement and resource management, engaging civil society and the media as partners in the region鈥檚 anti-corruption efforts, and strengthening the independence and capacity of its national anti-corruption institutions.

Demanding full implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption, President Tinubu further stated: 鈥淭he task before us is enormous, but so significant is our collective resolve by working together, sharing best practices, and leveraging our diverse strengths, we can create a formidable bulwark against corruption in West聽 Africa.

鈥淎ll member-states must ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption. Let us move from commitment to action, from intention to implementation. The future of our region depends on our ability to create transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structures that serve the interests of our people鈥�.

The Nigerian leader highlighted the dangers of corruption, maintaining that it has remained 鈥渙ne of the most significant obstacles to the progress and prosperity of our nations.

鈥淚t (corruption) undermines the very fabric of our societies, erodes public trust, and impedes the equitable distribution of resources.聽 As leaders, we are responsible for confronting this challenge head-on with unwavering resolve and concerted action.鈥�

As regards the steps the Nigerian leader has taken to tackle corruption in the West African country since he assumed office as President May 29 last year, the ECOWAS Chairman said he strengthened 鈥渁ll the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring that they are adequately funded.

鈥淚 have also encouraged them to operate within the ambit of the law. This is a template which I recommended to other states within the region,鈥� he further noted.

President Tinubu as well reaffirmed what he described as Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to NACIWA鈥檚 success 鈥渁nd the broader anti-corruption agenda within ECOWAS.鈥�

He reassured members that working together in synergy would enable member-countries to 鈥渂uild more vital institutions, foster regional unity, and pave the way for a prosperous and corruption-free West Africa.鈥�

Earlier, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria鈥檚 Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, had noted the urgent need for regional and global cooperation in the battle against corruption, describing it as a cancer that threatens Africa鈥檚 stability and development.

鈥淐orruption is a cancer that has eaten deeply into the fabric of many African nations. It has been a persistent obstacle to development, undermining our institutions, eroding public trust, and exacerbating poverty,鈥� Tuggar stated.

The Minister stressed that in Nigeria, corruption has fuelled insecurity and discontent, making it a matter of life and death.

Ambassador Tuggar also highlighted the alarming scale of financial loss due to corruption, pointing to UN estimates that Africa loses $88.6 billion annually to illicit financial flows鈥攆unds that could have been used for essential public services like schools and hospitals.

Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation and Honourable Minister for Justice, also emphasised the crucial role of collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption.

Fagbemi said: 鈥淭he fight against corruption is not just a matter of institutional duty, but a crucial step towards securing a better future for our nations.

鈥淲e must work diligently to implement policies and strategies that effectively counter this menace.鈥�

In his presentation at the event, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urged regional anti-corruption bodies to adapt their strategies to evolving threats.

Olukoyede stated: 鈥淐orruption continues to evolve, adopting new forms and exploiting technological advancements. We must constantly adapt our strategies and enhance our capabilities.鈥�

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), emphasised that the fight against corruption is a long-term struggle requiring unwavering commitment.

He noted: 鈥淐onfronting this hydra-headed monster has become imperative given the debilitating challenges and effects posed by corruption on economic development.鈥�

He called for full adherence to the 2021 ECOWAS protocol on anti-corruption and recommended the use of digital tools to enhance the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures.

The representative of the ECOWAS President, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, outlined the strides made by ECOWAS in collaboration with national anti-corruption agencies to include implementing policies that promote transparency and good governance.

Musah, however, acknowledged that there is still considerable work to be done.

鈥淐orruption remains one of the most significant challenges facing our nations. It undermines economic growth, erodes public trust, and hinders the development of our societies. As we convene today, we must reaffirm our commitment to tackling this issue head-on,鈥� stated he.

Others present at the summit included Chairman Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Udende Emmanuel; Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi; Heads of ECOWAS Anti-Corruption Agencies @ECOWASdevparcel, and representatives of UN agencies, among many others.

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