Adele JINADU Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Centre for Democracy & Development, Abuja “Corruption will continue to thrive until justice systems can punish wrongdoing and keep governments in check. When justice is bought or politically interfered with, it is the people that suffer. Leaders should fully invest in and guarantee the independence of institutions that uphold the law and tackle corruption. It is time to end impunity for corruption.” ——————François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION HERE

Welcome to the latest edition of the Unresolved Corruption Allegation and Scandal in Nigeria, a testament to HEDA’s unwavering commitment to fostering transparency and accountability within government systems. As we embark on this journey, our dedication to combating the flagrant abuse of office and the mismanagement of public funds remains steadfast. Through this Unresolved Corruption Allegation and Scandal in Nigeria, we aim to empower individuals with vital information and insights, driving positive change and upholding the principles of good governance. Join us in our mission to promote integrity and uphold the public trust. Download Unresolved Corruption Allegation and Scandal in Nigeria    

This policy brief, Power & Justice: Leading the Onslaught Against Corruption by the HEDA Resource Centre with support from the MacArthur Foundation, draws from discussions and recommendations at the 30th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) held on July 11-12, 2023, in Abuja. The theme was “Reviewing the Fight Against Corruption: From Buhari’s Regime to Setting the Agenda for the Tinubu Administration.” This policy briefs seeks to provide strategic recommendations to the Presidency as well as the Federal Ministry of Justice in relation to constructive engagement on the fight against corruption by the new government. Addressed to the Nigerian judiciary, the policy brief contextualizes corruption’s implications within Nigeria, argues that the Presidency and FMOJ in ensuring a successful fight against corruption cannot be over-emphasized as combine efforts to champion anti-corruption campaign sends a powerful message of commitment and accountability. Recognizing challenges, inter-agency rivalry; the abuse of nolle prosequi by Attorney General of the Federation as well as the lack of trust in government by members of the public, among others. The policy recommends appointing individuals with integrity as Attorney Generals; activation of Article 21 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights; engaging the civil society as well as enhancing feedback mechanism; special anti-corruption courts vibrant and accountable civil service, effective implementation of anti-corruption framework such as Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).   Click Here to Download a copy of Power & Justice: Leading the Onslaught Against Corruption

The policy brief, Non-State Actions: Media-Civil Society Partnership Against Corruption’s Policy Belief by the HEDA Resource Centre with support from the MacArthur Foundation, draws from discussions and recommendations at the 30th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) held on July 11-12, 2023, in Abuja. The theme was “Reviewing the Fight Against Corruption: From Buhari’s Regime to Setting the Agenda for the Tinubu Administration.” The policy brief sets the tone by contextualizing corruption and highlight its implication, chief of which is the increasing millions of Nigerians who are extremely poor. It submits that addressing corruption requires a multi-pronged approach, and two essential allies in this battle are the media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), known as non-state actors. The brief further recognises that the Media and CSOs face several challenges which include limitations in access to information as well as constrained media freedom. This means that corruption often thrives in environments where information is not readily available to the publics. The policy therefore suggests that anti-corruption platforms of civil society should network with the media and labour unions for inclusivity. There should also be a partnership between the media and CSOs for the establishment of investigative desks and capacity building for journalists as critical action points. Click Here to Download a copy of Non-State Actions: Media-Civil Society Partnership Against Corruption

The Corruption Crackdown: A Call to Action for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Other Law Enforcement Agencies’ Policy Brief by the HEDA Resource Centre with support from the MacArthur Foundation, draws from discussions and recommendations at the 30th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) held on July 11-12, 2023, in Abuja. The theme was “Reviewing the Fight Against Corruption: From Buhari’s Regime to Setting the Agenda for the Tinubu Administration.” This policy brief focuses on the anti-corruption aspect of their work and the Law Enforcement Agencies who work on financial corruption, abuse of office and related matter. It maintains that the Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) play pivotal roles in the crackdown on corruption within a country. Their combined efforts are essential in combating corrupt practices effectively because ACAs and LEAs are responsible for investigating allegatons of corrupton, gathering evidence, and prosecuting individuals or organizations involved in corrupt activities. Challenges such as political interference have continued to pose a significant challenge to the independence and effectiveness of ACAs and LEAs. The policy therefore recommends interagency cooperation and unified crime database, transparency and operational improvement within the ACAs, citizen and CSOs engagement, staff welfare and institutional support for the institutions, promoting enactment of the whistle-blower protection bill, and taking leadership role in the implementation of the National Ant-Corruption Strategy (NACS) Click Here to Download a copy of Corruption Crackdown: A Call to Action for Anti-Corruption Agencies and Other Law Enforcement Agencies

This policy brief, a publication from HEDA Resource Centre with the support of MacArthur Foundation was informed by the discussions and recommendations from experts and stakeholders at the 30th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) held on July 11th – 12, 2023 in Abuja with the theme ”Fight against corruption- Reviewing from the Buhari Regime and setting agenda for Tinubu Administration. The policy is addressed to the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS) and set the tone by contextualizing corruption and highlighting its implications in the Nigerian context, It contends that the role of the NASS which is saddled with the law-making function cannot be overstated, and its impact on eradicating corruption would be felt through various legislative actions. The brief further recognizes some of the challenges faced by NASS in the discharge of its law-making mandate and consequently recommends the need for anti-corruption champions in NASS, adherence to the constitutional roles of legislating Anti-corruption strategy , curbing fiscal issues, whistle-blower protection, improving implementation of Public Procurement Act as well as the Proceeds of Crimes Act, among others. Empowering Our Nation: Legislative Actions Against Corruption This policy brief, a publication from HEDA Resource Centre with the support of MacArthur Foundation was informed by the discussions and recommendations from experts and stakeholders at the 30th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) held on July 11th – 12, 2023 in Abuja with the theme ”Fight against corruption- Reviewing from the Buhari Regime and setting agenda for Tinubu Administration. The policy is addressed to the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS) and set the tone by contextualizing corruption and highlighting its implications in the Nigerian context, It contends that the role of the NASS which is saddled with the law-making function cannot be overstated, and its impact on eradicating corruption would be felt through various legislative actions. The brief further recognizes some of the challenges faced by NASS in the discharge of its law-making mandate and consequently recommends the need for anti-corruption champions in NASS, adherence to the constitutional roles of legislating Anti-corruption strategy , curbing fiscal issues, whistle-blower protection, improving implementation of Public Procurement Act as well as the Proceeds of Crimes Act, among others. Empowering Our Nation: Legislative Actions Against Corruption This policy brief, a publication from HEDA Resource Centre with the support of MacArthur Foundation was informed by the discussions and recommendations from experts and stakeholders at the 30th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) held on July 11th – 12, 2023 in Abuja with the theme ”Fight against corruption- Reviewing from the Buhari Regime and setting agenda for Tinubu Administration. The policy is addressed to the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS) and set the tone by contextualizing corruption and highlighting its implications in the Nigerian context, It contends that the role of the NASS which is saddled with the law-making function cannot be overstated, and its impact on eradicating corruption would be felt through various legislative actions. The brief further recognizes some of the challenges faced by NASS in the discharge of its law-making mandate and consequently recommends the need for anti-corruption champions in NASS, adherence to the constitutional roles of legislating Anti-corruption strategy , curbing fiscal issues, whistle-blower protection, improving implementation of Public Procurement Act as well as the Proceeds of Crimes Act, among others. Click Here to Download a copy of Empowering Our Nation: Legislative Actions Against Corruption