The House of Representatives on Thursday underscored the need for international collaboration in the bid to tackle the scourge of corruption in Nigeria.
Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Akiolu, disclosed this in Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the Standing Committee. He reiterated the 10th Assembly’s readiness to strengthen transparency and accountability through collaboration and legislative reforms.
While assuring Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and international organizations of robust engagement in the discharge of the Committee’s duties, Hon. Asaolu pledged that the Committee would ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the efforts of the Anti-corruption Agencies.
Hon. Akiolu, emphasizing the need to combat corruption and uphold the integrity of the nation, pledged his resolve to lead the Committee towards significant progress in the fight against corruption in Nigeria in line with the House of Representatives’ agenda to ensure transparent governance and accountability.
According to him, “This agenda topic encompasses our committee’s key objectives, aligning with our long-term goals and the interests of our fellow Nigerians. It addresses the need for collaboration, capacity building, and legislative reforms to tackle corruption effectively.”
In the bid to achieve the set objectives and strengthen the fight against corruption, he expressed optimism that collaboration with CSOs and international organizations would “enhance our fight against corruption. The committee will host a collaborative meeting to get citizens’ feedback through organized actions by CSOs and International Organizations.
“These events will promote meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. We will begin with one-on-one visits to International and National Organizations, establishing connections and exploring areas of cooperation. This activity aligns with our secondary jurisdiction of developing programs to address violations of conduct or laws. The meetings with CSOs will help us discuss strategies and explore collaborations to combat corruption effectively.”
Hon Akiolu also unveiled the Committee’s plans to organize a retreat for members to provide a comprehensive understanding of anti-corruption policies, practices, and associated challenges.
To effectively discharge the Committee’s work, Hon. Akiolu explained that the Committee would conduct site visits to anti-corruption agencies as part of steps aimed at monitoring and evaluating their efforts in mitigating corruption.
“These visits allow for a direct observation of their practices, procedures, and systems in place to combat corruption. By physically being present at these institutions, we can assess the implementation of anti-corruption measures and identify areas that require improvement.
“Site visits provide a comprehensive evaluation of the agencies’ efforts and help ensure accountability and transparency in anti-corruption endeavors. By verifying the effectiveness of their measures through firsthand assessment, we can identify any potential gaps or areas of concern.
“This allows us to provide targeted recommendations and support to enhance their anti-corruption initiatives. Overall, conducting regular site visits to anti-corruption agencies is a valuable approach to monitor and evaluate their efforts in mitigating corruption.
“It enables us to assess their practices and systems, ensure accountability, and provide support for continuous improvement in their fight against corruption.”
In the bid to strengthen public engagement in legislative processes, Hon. Akiolu disclosed the Committee’s plan to organize Regional Citizens Town Hall Meetings, ensuring inclusive and representative anti-corruption efforts.
“These events provide a platform for open discussions where citizens share their insights, shaping effective policies. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, diverse communities’ voices are heard, fostering transparency and accountability. Online participation enhances inclusivity.
“Ultimately, this citizen-driven approach strengthens anti-corruption measures, creating a more representative framework for combating corruption in Nigeria,” Hon. Akiolu said.
He also disclosed the Committee’s plans to initiate International Exchange Programmes and Conferences with a view to facilitating knowledge sharing and exposing members to best practices in the global fight against corruption.
