President Bola Tinubu has called on the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) to ratify and fully implement its Protocol against Corruption.
Tinubu, represented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call during the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja.
” In 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.
“This 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”.
He emphasised the need for ECOWAS countries to move beyond rhetoric and focus on concrete actions targeted at harmonising their “legal frameworks to close loopholes exploited by corrupt individuals.”
” The 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 Africa.
“All 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”.
Tinubu, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman said he strengthened “all the anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria by not interfering in their activities and ensuring that they are adequately funded.
“I 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,” he noted.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to NACIWA’s success and the broader anti-corruption agenda within ECOWAS.
Earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, emphasised the urgent need for regional and global cooperation in the battle against corruption.
“Corruption 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.”
Also, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasised the crucial role of collaborative efforts in the fight against corruption.
“The fight against corruption is not just a matter of institutional duty, but a crucial step towards securing a better future for our nations.
“We must work diligently to implement policies and strategies that effectively counter this menace,” Fagbemi said.
Mr Ola Olukoyede, the Chairman of the EFCC, in his address of welcome lauded Tinubu’s uncommon passion for transparency in governance, adding that this commitment had reinvigorated the anti-corruption efforts.
“As the theme of the Assembly: “Implementing the ECOWAS Protocol against Corruption towards Strengthening Institutions for Regional Unity,” suggest, we are at a critical juncture in our collective fight against corruption in our sub-region.
“ There is no gainsaying that corruption continues to undermine our economies, security, erode public trust, and hinder the sustainable development of our nations.
” This requires some introspection and strategizing to forge ahead.”
