Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has cautioned public office holders against abusing their positions for personal benefit, stressing that leadership must be anchored on integrity, accountability and responsible stewardship of public resources.
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‎Fagbemi spoke on Tuesday while delivering the NACIWA Distinguished Leadership Lecture at the opening of the maiden two-day Leadership Conference for Heads of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa. The conference, organised by the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), was held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja.
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‎According to the Justice Minister, occupying public office is a sacred responsibility that demands transparency and accountability, rather than an opportunity for personal enrichment.
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‎He said every individual entrusted with managing public resources should be ready to explain how those resources are utilised, adding that accountability remains essential to good governance.
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‎”Public office is not a licence for self-enrichment. Those entrusted with public resources must always be prepared to account for how those resources are managed,” he said.
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‎Fagbemi observed that West Africa is at a critical stage in its democratic development, with citizens increasingly demanding transparent governance, accountable leadership and institutions they can trust.
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‎He noted that meeting these expectations requires more than laws and institutional mandates, insisting that courageous and visionary leadership is needed to uphold the rule of law and strengthen independent institutions.
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‎According to him, safeguarding public trust depends on leaders who are willing to enforce the law impartially while building institutions capable of enduring beyond their tenure.
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‎”The difference between an institution that merely exists and one that transforms a nation is often the quality of its leadership,” he stated.
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‎The Attorney-General reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting corruption through stronger institutions and effective implementation of existing laws, adding that Nigeria remains determined to promote transparency and accountability across the public sector.
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