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As part of ongoing efforts to combat widespread corruption in both public and private sectors, the Federal Government on Tuesday launched a powerful National Anti-Corruption Strategy Committee.

The committee is tasked with creating a framework to reduce corruption across the nation.

Its action plan is based on five key pillars: Prevention of corruption, public engagement, a campaign for ethical reorientation, enforcement and sanction, and the recovery and management of proceeds from crime.

The committee is led by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and includes as members the Finance Minister, Interior Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, Information Minister, Women Affairs Minister, and Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy Minister.

Other members are the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, and a representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not below the rank of Permanent Secretary.

In a statement during the committee’s inauguration, the AGF informed the members that they were chosen to lead efforts aimed at significantly reducing corruption in the country. He lamented that corruption had hindered the nation’s ability to achieve its National Development Goals.

Fagbemi explained that the creation of the Ministerial Committee was part of the government’s strategy to mobilize stakeholders in addressing corruption through the execution of the action plan.

He also emphasized that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s international obligations, particularly the ECOWAS Protocol on the fight against corruption (signed in 2001), the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (signed in 2003), and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (signed in 2003).

The AGF noted that these international agreements aim to address the growing global problem of corruption, and Nigeria has taken steps to implement the recommendations outlined in these treaties.

“In an effort to develop a homegrown Anti-corruption strategy, the Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT) at its retreat in 2009 signed a statement of commitment to develop a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) that will identify the root causes of corruption and effectively combat corruption.

“Sequel to this commitment by the Federal Government, the Federal Executive Council at its 25th meeting in July, 2017 approved the adoption of the NACS and directed the then Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to come up with a robust implement plan for the NACS 2017-2021.

“The NACS Action Plan was developed, validated and adopted by relevant stakeholders on the 26th March, 2018.

“At the expiration of the NACS 2017-2021, in November, 2022, FEC considered and approved the extension of its implementation for another period of four (4) Years i.e NACS 2022 – 2026.

“Further this approval, stakeholders including the NACS Secretariat under my office, the Inter-Agency Task Team, as well as relevant MDAs, Law Enforcement and Regulatory Agencies, with the support of our Donor Partners such as International IDEA, carried out series of consultations and engagements on the review of the NACS and its Action Plan.

“I am glad to inform that NACS Action Plan 2022 – 2026 was validated by critical stakeholders on 26th July, 2024.

“NACS is in tandem with the anti -corruption stance of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which aims at eradicating corruption, whilst strengthening the effectiveness and efficiency of various Anti-Corruption Agencies.

The AGF then charged members of the Committee to give their full support and commitment to the responsibilities arising from their nomination adding “We must contribute our quota at institutionalizing accountability and transparency to ensure access to equitable opportunities for all citizens.”

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