Between 2005 and 2015, the European Union (EU) in its commitment and support to the Nigerian government in the fight against corruption contributed 62.7 million Euros to the various anti- corruption agencies.
John Hair, representing the head of Delegation of the EU, Michael Arrion, made this known on Wednesday at the International Anti-Corruption Day celebration in Abuja, with the theme: “Break the corruption chain.’’
“In recent years, the EU has provided substantial support to Nigeria’s fight against corruption. During 2005-2015, the EU gave financial and technical support to the anti-corruption agencies to support the Nigerian government’s effort in this sense to the value of 27.5million Euros.
“The project was locally driven, and was aimed at strengthening evidence-based policy making, people- oriented service delivery, and a culture of transparency and accountability. The project also sought to contribute to the conduct a technically sound and politically credible anti corruption policy of Nigeria. The project was implemented in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).
“The European union has also during the last three years, committed further 35million Euros on a new project which seeks to build the capacity of the anti corruption agencies and support the Nigerian civil society to further enhance their role as watchdogs providing them with the skills that will help them hold the government to account.
Hair said a national anti corruption strategy is vital in fighting corruption, as it would provide a much-needed roadmap for all stakeholders who are seeking to engage in this sector.
“It is our hope therefore that the current draft strategy will be further revised, updated and adopted in other to aid the work of the Nigerian ‘s anti corruption agencies and indeed, all stake holders willing to support the process.
Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman, EFCC, in his address, said in 2015 the commission had investigated 1881 cases, out of which 280 cases were filed in court and 78 convictions were secured.
“In this period also several interim and final forfeiture orders were handed down by the commission, substantial amounts of money have been recovered and are still been recovered as we speak,” he said.
Magu expressed his commitment in breaking the chain of corruption without fear or favour, saying “I can assure you that the commission is on top of the investigation. We will spare no effort to ensure that we recover every kobo of public funds that have been stolen in the guise of arms procurement and the culprits be brought to justice. ‘’
In his keynote address, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by Sadiq Radda, a member of the presidential advisory committee on corruption, tasked the relevant anti-corruption agencies to design corruption risk assessment within their organisation so as to block all leakages within their system.
“Fight corruption according to your statutory mandate and shun self-censorship. Act in accordance with your statutory mandate and in line with the rule of law,” he said.
He said citizens should also play their part in turning the tide of corruption by putting an end to the “see no evil, hear no evil’’ era.
“Citizens must always report corruption when they see it and refuse to pay bribes. Rather, citizens are encouraged to demand that government take action against corruption. In these days of social media, reporting corruption with responsibility should not be a major problem,” he said.
He said government on his part would create safe conditions for the effective involvement of citizen in the fight against corruption, as “one of these measures will be to promote the whistle blower and witness protection legislation to strengthen the cooperation of citizens and the civil society in the fight against corruption.”
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