US partners Nigeria to launch anti-corruption reporting website

The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria has partnered BudgIT, a local NGO, and law enforcement agencies to launch ‘Report Yourself’ website that will enable citizens in the country to personally report corruption cases.
The partnership to promote ‘Report Yourself’ also includes the Religious Leaders Anti-Corruption (RLAC) working group and other partners desirous of ridding Nigeria of corruption.
This anti-corruption initiative is funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and was developed by BudgIT.
The website, reportyourself.org, will enable Nigerians to report bribery and other forms of corruption via a website and get a feedback from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the police or other law enforcement agencies. It also provides an opportunity for an option of filing an official compliant with the Nigerian Police Force Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit.
At the official lunch ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires David Young explained that Report Yourself puts the power to report corruption in the hands of the Nigerian people.
“I hope that Report Yourself starts a new movement in citizen engagement and I hope every Nigerian who is affected by corruption will feel empowered to share their experiences. The tide will turn against the culture of corruption when Nigerians recognise that they must fight as one to stamp out this scourge that has hampered development and stifled prosperity,” Young said.
Felix C. Morka, executive director, Social & Economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC), said Nigerians’ tolerance of small, everyday corruption perpetuates the crime.
“When we celebrate corrupt people, including those indicted abroad, we perpetuate corruption. Corruption fight is not only for the government. We must enlist in the fight,” Morka said.
Stanley Achonu, operations manager, ‎BudgIT Nigeria, said the firm is not only looking at people doing wrong but is also using the website to identify and celebrate champions.

 

Odinaka Anudu