Executive Director of The Africa Network For Environment and Economic Justice, ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor has called on the federal government to immediately inaugurate the inter-ministerial committee (IMC) as provided for by the strategy document to support the implementation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework to avoid the pitfalls of the previous strategy.
The call was made during a press conference to mark 2022 International Anti-Corruption day and the start of efforts to mark the 20th anniversary of United Nations Convention against Corruption with the theme, ” Uniting the World Against Corruption ” held in Benin City.
Rev Ugolor who was represented by Comrade Leo Atakpu, Deputy Director, ANEEJ, noted that the IMC has the responsibility to facilitate the anti-corruption funding framework (AFF) and the development of sector-specific strategies for the implementation of National Anti-corruption strategy (NACS).
“Indeed we must unite to fight corruption, that is why ANEEJ is using the opportunity of this year’s event to raise key issues that will support the implementation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
“Interestingly, the Federal Executive Council recently approved the extension of the NACS to cover 2022-2026. We are also urging the federal government to properly fund the implementation of the strategy as against what happened with the first anti-corruption strategy. We equally encourage the federal government to provide support to the inter-agency task team (IATT) to meet quarterly to promote learning and collaboration amongst anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria,” he added.
According to him, the 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security and development and this is an annual event that has become increasingly relevant to the context considering the multiple challenges of corruption, insecurity and under-development bedeviling Nigeria.
“We are encouraged by the effort of Nigeria government in concluding work on some anti-corruption laws as we now have the proceeds of crime recovery and management act 2022, the money laundering prevention and prohibition act 2022 and the terrorism prevention and prohibition act 2022.
“However, the witness protection and management bill and the public interest disclosure and protection bill 2022 (whistleblower bill) are still pending.
“We urge the Presidential Initiative for Continuous Audit (PICA) within the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly to do the needful to conclude work on these pending anti-corruption bills.
“To facilitate the implementation of the proceeds of crime recovery and management act 2022, the Attorney General of the federation is required to issue a guideline and all the agencies listed in the act( such a EFCC,ICPC,NFIU,NAFDAC,NAPTIP,NIS etc) are equally expected to constitute the proceed of crime management directorate that will play a key role in the implementation of the Act.
“”We expect these individuals and organizations to move quickly to deliver on their responsibilities. Again, we urge state governments to use the Hugh resources at their disposal judiciously and transparently to build critical infrastructures and improve the living standard of the citizens, especially those of the Niger Delta region, who in addition to the monthly allocation are also receiving 13 percent oil derivation fund.
“I want to specially appreciate Palladium and USAID for providing the resources for ANEEJ and the anti-corruption cluster to implement the ‘Enhancing Anti-corruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria’ Project,” Ugolor added.
