In an ongoing effort to tackle corruption and strengthen governance, Nigeria is set to commemorate the 2024 United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) with a series of national and sub-national events.
These activities, organized by the Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT) and supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, aim to unite citizens and institutions in the fight against corruption.
Themed “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” this year’s commemoration had a symposium in Abuja, the official IACD. Events will include school debates, rallies, sensitisation campaigns, and a symposium showcasing the performances of anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) and law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
Highlighting the significance of the event, RoLAC Programme Manager, Dr Emmanuel Uche, stated, “Corruption undermines democracy, hampers economic development, and destabilizes governance. Through coordinated efforts like these, we aim to emphasize the role of every citizen and institution in combating corruption and building a more transparent society.”
The RoLAC Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), supports Nigeria’s compliance with international anti-corruption standards like the UNCAC. By facilitating activities under the IATT platform, the program strengthens coordination among ACAs, civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and the media.
This year marks 20 years of Nigeria’s participation in the UNCAC, highlighting progress such as the enactment of key laws, including the Asset Recovery and Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022 and the AML/CFT/CPF Prohibition Act 2022.
For the first time, sub-national commemorative workshops will complement national events, expanding the reach of anti-corruption messages. The activities are designed to create awareness about the social, political, and economic impacts of corruption while promoting accountability and transparency.
The symposium will serve as a national platform for stakeholders to present performance reports, discuss opportunities for collaboration, and outline steps to overcome challenges in the anti-corruption landscape.
RoLAC’s logistics support includes the provision of branded materials, media coverage, and accommodation for participants and speakers, ensuring widespread engagement.
As Nigeria prepares to reflect on its anti-corruption journey, citizens, organizations, and government agencies are called upon to join the fight against corruption, making transparency and accountability the cornerstones of national progress.
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