The House of Representatives, alongside the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has called on public officials to shun corrupt practices that hinder the nation’s progress.
This plea was made during the opening session of a three-day workshop on “Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency,” organized in partnership with the EFCC in Abuja.
Hon Ginger Onwusibe, Chairman of the Committee on Financial Crimes, and EFCC Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, addressed attendees, emphasizing the importance of tackling corruption in Nigeria’s public sector.
Over 100 elected state and local government officials from Jigawa State participated in the event, facilitated by Barclays Global Consult Nigeria Limited.
Hon Onwusibe, represented by the Acting Clerk of the Committee, Austen Tolu Adesoro, pointed out the ongoing challenges of public sector corruption, money laundering, illicit financial flows, and various types of fraud, despite existing legal and institutional measures.
“We have been battling these issues for decades, and it’s critical that state governments domesticate and implement laws against financial crimes,” Onwusibe said.
“We must also focus on promoting ethical reorientation, changing societal tolerance for corruption, and prioritizing professionalism in government work.”
He also stressed the need for ethical whistleblowing and better management of public funds and property. “Personal responsibility and professionalism should be prioritized to stimulate staff commitment to work,” he added.
In an interview, Onwusibe further clarified the goals of the workshop. “The objective of this training is to equip state and local government officials with the tools and knowledge to help combat corruption effectively,” he explained.
Onwusibe also highlighted the importance of preventive measures, noting that the fight against corruption should be a collective effort. “Fighting corruption is a joint task.
The House Committee on Financial Crimes, under Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, is committed to going the extra mile by not only overseeing agencies but also applying preventive measures,” he stated.
Furthermore, Onwusibe revealed plans to amend the EFCC Act to give the commission more powers and ensure its full integration into Nigeria’s constitution. “We are working towards making the EFCC Act more effective, and we believe this will play a crucial role in preventing corruption in the future,” he concluded.
