Dr. Umar Yakubu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, recently highlighted Nigeria’s troubling trajectory with corruption, pointing out that data consistently indicate a worsening trend rather than an improvement. His remarks draw attention to the depth and breadth of corruption in Nigeria, suggesting that the issue is deeply rooted in institutional inefficiency, lack of accountability, and an ineffective system of checks and balances, particularly with respect to the roles of law enforcement agencies and the National Assembly. These insights from Dr. Yakubu underscore a critical need for structural reforms if Nigeria is to make any substantial progress in combating corruption.
At the heart of the problem is the failure of law enforcement agencies tasked with preventing corruption. These agencies, which include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are often constrained by political interference, inadequate resources, and, in some cases, internal corruption. They were established to investigate, prosecute, and deter corrupt practices among public and private officials; however, their effectiveness is limited when there is no independent body holding them accountable for their performance. Dr. Yakubu’s assertion that these agencies are not adequately performing their roles speaks to a cycle where corrupt activities go unchecked, ultimately reinforcing a culture of impunity.
The failure of the National Assembly to provide oversight over these agencies compounds the issue. As one of the pillars of democratic governance, the legislature is expected to function as a watchdog, ensuring that all government bodies, including anti-corruption agencies, operate with transparency and accountability. However, in Nigeria, the National Assembly has not been fully committed to this role. Dr. Yakubu implies that lawmakers have failed to rigorously assess the performance of these agencies, leaving them largely unchecked and allowing ineffective practices to continue unchallenged. Without this layer of oversight, there is little incentive for anti-corruption bodies to prioritize genuine reforms or implement effective strategies.
This lack of oversight and accountability also reflects a larger systemic issue within Nigerian governance, where checks and balances are weak, and inter-agency cooperation is often fragmented. When law enforcement agencies are allowed to operate without meaningful scrutiny, they may fall into routines of symbolic actions rather than delivering substantial results. The absence of accountability mechanisms means that agencies may pursue cases selectively or ignore high-profile corruption cases, often depending on political considerations rather than genuine legal or ethical imperatives.
Dr. Yakubu’s statements also shed light on a larger culture of corruption that has permeated Nigerian society, from public offices to private business dealings. Data suggesting that corruption is on the rise indicate that the problem has not only remained persistent but has also adapted to new forms. Corrupt practices in Nigeria include embezzlement, bribery, nepotism, procurement fraud, and influence peddling, all of which thrive in an environment where accountability is minimal. When corruption goes unchecked, it becomes normalized within public and private sectors, further deteriorating public trust and making it difficult to implement effective reforms. This normalization can lead to the perception that corruption is an unavoidable part of doing business or working within the public sector in Nigeria.
To address these challenges, Dr. Yakubu’s call for action points toward a necessary shift in the focus and functioning of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions. To make progress, structural changes are required at multiple levels of governance. First, Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies must operate with genuine independence, free from political interference, and with a clear mandate to pursue cases irrespective of an individual’s social or political standing. This would require a restructuring of the legal framework governing these agencies to insulate them from political pressures and ensure they can work effectively.
Furthermore, the National Assembly must engage more actively in its oversight role. By establishing regular reviews and audits of anti-corruption agencies, lawmakers can hold these bodies accountable for their performance, incentivizing them to adopt more effective approaches and prioritize transparency in their operations. Increased public involvement in this process, such as through public hearings or consultations on anti-corruption policies, could also foster greater transparency and make it more difficult for corrupt practices to be swept under the rug.
An effective anti-corruption strategy must also be backed by public awareness and civic engagement. Raising awareness about the economic and social impacts of corruption can empower citizens to demand accountability from their leaders and public institutions. When the public is informed about how corruption affects everything from public infrastructure to healthcare and education, there is a greater likelihood of sustained pressure on government officials to implement reforms. Dr. Yakubu’s comments highlight the need for civil society organizations and the media to play an active role in exposing corrupt practices and holding both public and private entities accountable.
In sum, Dr. Yakubu’s observations reflect an urgent call for a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to combat corruption in Nigeria. His critique of the current state of anti-corruption efforts shines a light on institutional weaknesses, political inertia, and a lack of accountability that allow corruption to flourish. Addressing these issues will require commitment not only from government agencies but also from lawmakers, civil society, and the general public. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, Nigeria can move towards a system where corruption is not just discouraged but actively prevented, enabling a more just and equitable society for all.
