The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states have been urged by President Bola Tinubu to enact and put into effect the anti-corruption protocol in their respective spheres of influence.
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Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) 6th annual general assembly, Tinubu stressed the importance of teamwork in the fight against corruption. Vice President Kashim Shettima represented Tinubu when he announced that Nigeria would donate an office block for NACIWA’s permanent headquarters.
Shettima emphasised the significance of creating accountable, transparent, and effective governing systems that advance the interests of the populace. In order to close legal gaps that dishonest people take advantage of, he called on ECOWAS nations to go beyond rhetoric and implement practical measures.
Shettima further guaranteed that the federal government is adequately paying anti-corruption institutions and is not meddling in their activities. “The task ahead of us is enormous, but our collective resolve is so significant,” he remarked. Through collaboration, exchange of best practices, and use of our unique talents, we can forge a strong defence against corruption throughout West Africa.
“Every member state ought to accede to and execute in its entirety the anti-corruption ECOWAS protocol. Now let’s go from idea to execution, from commitment to action. “Our ability to establish accountable, open, and effective government institutions that represent the needs of our people will determine the destiny of our region.
“It (corruption) erodes public trust, threatens the foundation of our societies, and prevents the equitable distribution of resources.” It is our duty as leaders to take on this challenge head-on with unyielding conviction and coordinated action.
The 2001 adoption of the ECOWAS agreement aims to coordinate and harmonise national anti-corruption laws. In his call to action, Tinubu highlights how important it is for member nations to ratify and put the agreement into effect in order to fight corruption in West Africa as a whole.
