The significance of the upcoming Two-Day National Anti-Corruption Conference organized by HEDA Resource Centre and CEFTIW in Nigeria is in the front burner.
This conference aims to assess the progress made in the fight against corruption and establish a roadmap for the future under the new government.
Join policymakers, experts, and stakeholders in discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions to combat corruption effectively.
In a dedicated effort to evaluate Nigeria’s anti-corruption progress and pave the way for a more effective fight against corruption in the future, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CEFTIW) have jointly announced a Two-Day National Anti-Corruption Conference.
Supported by the MacArthur Foundation, this conference will be followed by an esteemed Anti-Corruption Champions’ Dinner.
Scheduled for the 11th and 12th of July 2023 in Abuja, this event aims to shed light on the theme “Nigeria and the Fight Against Corruption – Reviewing the Buhari Regime and Setting Agenda for the Tinubu Administration.”
Assessing Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
Under President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure over the past eight years, Nigeria’s anti-corruption measures have faced scrutiny.
As a result, questions have emerged about the effectiveness of these efforts, with conflicting reports complicating the assessment.
The forthcoming conference seeks to address these concerns and provide a comprehensive evaluation.
A notable 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 experienced by the population.
However, Nigeria’s ranking in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index remains low.
Addressing The Challenge:
The fight against corruption poses ongoing challenges but also opportunities for improvement.
Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, emphasized the need for renewed hope and expressed optimism about effectively addressing these issues under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Exploring Challenges And Opportunities
The Two-Day National Anti-Corruption Conference and the subsequent dinner aim to facilitate in-depth discussions, expert presentations, and the exchange of ideas regarding the challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption.
Five policy briefs will be developed, 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).
These policy briefs will offer strategic recommendations and guidance to actively engage each target audience in the fight against corruption, ensuring a collective effort towards transparency and integrity under the new administrative dispensation.
Conference Highlights
The conference, spanning two days, will feature engaging panel discussions, enlightening presentations, and interactive sessions.
Distinguished experts, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors will share their insights, experiences, and research findings. Through collaboration among stakeholders, innovative approaches to combat corruption effectively will be generated.
Anti-Corruption Champions Dinner
Following the conference, the Anti-Corruption Champions Dinner will bring together prominent figures, especially those in the new government and members of the National Assembly, along with other critical stakeholders.
This dinner aims to raise awareness about the implications of corruption and highlight opportunities to address this menace.
By inspiring a collective commitment to anti-corruption efforts, the organizers aim to mobilize influential individuals to actively combat corruption and continue as champions and changemakers in the polity.
Expectations and Keynote Speech
Anticipation and interest are palpable among the Nigerian public, as these events signify the nation’s determination to intensify the fight against corruption and promote transparency and integrity.
The keynote speech, expected to be delivered by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, will be accompanied by the Vice President, Mr. Kashim Shettima, as the Special Guest of Honour.
Heads of Nigeria’s Courts and other prominent stakeholders will also attend as Guests of Honour.
Shaping The Anti-Corruption Agenda
The outcomes of this conference will play a pivotal role in shaping the anti-corruption agenda of the Tinubu administration and its engagement by stakeholders.
It will provide a comprehensive guide for all sectors and stakeholders to contribute effectively to the fight against corruption.
The conference is set to commence on the African Day Against Corruption, promising productive exchanges of ideas and experiences.
Join the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CEFTIW) in their efforts to evaluate Nigeria’s progress in the fight against corruption.
Be part of this significant conference, where policymakers, experts, and stakeholders will collaborate to chart the way forward and combat corruption effectively.
Together, we can foster transparency, integrity, and a brighter future for Nigeria.