Lagos, July 11, 2023 -The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CEFTIW) are set to host a two-day National Conference on Anti-Corruption from July 11 to July 12 in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman, HEDA, Mr Olanrewaju Suraju, and made available to newsmen in Lagos.
Suraju said that the conference would center on the theme: “Nigeria and the Fight Against Corruption – Reviewing the Buhari Regime and Setting Agenda for the Tinubu Administration.”
The chairman said that the conference is supported by the MacArthur Foundation.
He said that the keynote speech is expected to be delivered by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, with the Vice President, Mr. Kashim Shettima as the Special Guest of Honour.
He said that Heads of Nigeria’s Courts and other prominent stakeholders would be Guests of Honour at the event.
He said that the outcomes of the conference would be instrumental in shaping the Tinubu administration’s anti-corruption agenda and its engagement by Stakeholders, providing a comprehensive guide for all sectors and stakeholders to effectively contribute to the fight against corruption.
He said that the conference is set to commence on the African Day Against Corruption, with attendees eagerly looking forward to engaging in productive exchange of ideas and experiences.
According to him, the conference holds significant importance as it seeks to address the scrutiny faced by the Nigerian government’s anti-corruption efforts during President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in the last eight years and the consequent questions arising regarding the effectiveness of these measures, with conflicting reports complicating the assessment.
He said that a study titled “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends,” jointly published by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in December 2019, highlighted a reduction in corruption levels as experienced by the population.
He said that in spite of the report, Nigeria’s ranking in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index remains low.
“The fight against corruption is an ongoing challenge, but it also presents opportunities for improvement.”
Suraja expressed optimism that the recent inauguration of President Bola Tinubu’s administration has raised hope for tackling corruption.
He said that the two-day conference and dinner aim to facilitate comprehensive discussions and expert presentations on the challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption.
He said that the primary objective of the conference was to develop five policy briefs, each tailored to key stakeholders such as the Presidency, National Assembly, Judiciary, Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs), including Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
He said that these briefs would provide strategic recommendations and guidance to actively engage each target audience in the fight against corruption within the new administrative dispensation.
The chairman said that the conference, spanning two days, would feature panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions.
“Distinguished experts, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors will contribute their insights, experiences, and research findings, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and generating innovative approaches to combat corruption effectively.
“Following the conference, the Anti-Corruption Champions Dinner will gather prominent figures, particularly those in the new government and the National Assembly members, along with critical stakeholders.
“The dinner aims to raise awareness about the implications of corruption and highlight opportunities to address the menace.
