The Nigerian government is focused on rebuilding public trust and safeguarding civil liberties in its ongoing battle against corruption, according to Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi.
Speaking at the 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day event in Abuja, represented by Permanent Secretary Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Fagbemi highlighted the importance of the occasion, organised by the Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT) in partnership with the European Union, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), and the MacArthur Foundation and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
The event’s theme, “Promoting Human Dignity and the Fight Against Corruption,” prompted a re-evaluation of corruption, framing it not just as a legal breach or governance failure, but as a significant violation of human rights.
Fagbemi pointed out that corruption has drained governments of essential resources for public services, eroding institutional trust and threatening the essence of democracy. He stated, “Our goal is to restore public confidence in the government, and our anti-corruption efforts must align with a strong commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of civil liberties.”
He emphasised the need to cultivate a culture of dignity, where all Nigerians are treated equitably, and public service is viewed as a moral obligation. Amid ongoing collaboration among government agencies through the interagency task force, Fagbemi reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering resolve to combat corruption.
He urged Nigerians to integrate dignity metrics into public service delivery, ensuring that citizens are treated with respect rather than humiliation by the state. “Every public servant must recognise that citizens are sovereign and that public office is a public trust,” he added.
Fagbemi called for heightened investment in civic education, character development, and public service ethics, particularly targeted at youth engagement and leadership growth.
Jane Onwumere, head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), noted the need for a collective effort to tackle corruption, linking integrity to human dignity. She urged stakeholders to recommit to creating a continent where transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights are tangible realities.
Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), reminded attendees that corruption transcends financial misconduct, representing a direct assault on human dignity. He pledged NEITI’s commitment to transparency and justice for every African citizen.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Victor Olaiye, stressed the importance of integrity in the fight against corruption, asserting that while laws and institutions are crucial, individuals embodying honesty and ethical conduct are essential for fostering accountability and transparency in public service.
(NAN)