CSO Urges President Tinubu to Implement Robust Anti-Graft Strategy for Nigeria

A civil society organization (CSO), Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to create a national strategy on the fight against corruption.

The organization’s executive director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, highlighted the need for a robust anti-corruption strategy to be implemented promptly, citing recent investigations that exposed deep-rooted corruption within various government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

According to Zikirullahi, CHRICED is deeply concerned about these latest exposures of corruption involving the NCS.

He emphasized that while support for democracy remains relatively high in Nigeria, it is alarming that nearly 80% of Nigerians are dissatisfied with the way democracy works in the country.

This indicates an urgent need for reforms to make democracy work for all, with a comprehensive anti-corruption program being a critical first step.

CHRICED has put forward the following recommendations:

President Tinubu should prioritize the establishment of a comprehensive national strategy to combat corruption.

This strategy should aim to enhance the autonomy of anti-corruption bodies, granting them the necessary independence and authority to effectively carry out their duties without any external interference or influence.

Immediate suspension and prosecution of the corrupt Customs officers identified in the EFCC investigation, along with the recovery of the entire bribe amounts they received.

A thorough inquiry into the accusations of smuggling of foreign rice and other prohibited items by a senior customs officer in the video featuring the infamous smuggler, IBD Bande, who was shown threatening to kill a customs officer.

A comprehensive reform of the Nigeria Customs Act to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria Customs Board and curtail the overbearing powers of the Minister of Finance.

The organization also called for the strengthening of anti-corruption institutions, rigorous enforcement of financial regulations, and preventive measures to promote transparency and accountability in the public sector.