The House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have called on public servants to steer clear of corrupt practices that could hinder the country’s development.
This appeal was made during the opening of a three-day workshop on Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency in Abuja, organized by the House Committee in collaboration with the EFCC.
The event was attended by over 100 state and local government officials from Jigawa State.
Fighting Corruption Through Legal Reforms
Speaking at the workshop, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Chairman of the Committee on Financial Crimes, stressed that corruption, money laundering, and financial mismanagement have plagued Nigeria for decades.
He urged state governments to enforce financial laws and educate citizens on the dangers of corruption.
To further strengthen accountability, Onwusibe proposed amendments to the EFCC Act to grant the agency greater legal backing in tackling financial crimes effectively.
Preventive Measures Against Corruption
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the importance of preventive measures over mere prosecution, stating that public sector corruption largely stems from lack of fiscal transparency.
“Every year, trillions of Naira are allocated for infrastructure, social services, and economic development.
However, these funds often get diverted through fraudulent practices,” Olukoyede said.
He urged public officials to prioritize accountability and ensure that government funds are properly utilized to improve citizens’ lives.
Equipping Public Officers for Ethical Governance
Hajiya Hafsat Abubakar Bakari, CEO of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), highlighted that a well-informed public sector is key to preventing corruption.
She stressed that training sessions like this help bridge knowledge gaps and reinforce financial integrity at all government levels.
Similarly, Matthew Kolawole, CEO of Barclays Global Consult Nigeria Limited, noted that many newly elected local government officials lack proper financial management training.
He emphasized that such workshops help them understand legal frameworks governing public funds.
Commitment to Transparency
Public officials at the workshop, including Hon. Abdulraman Lawal (Jigawa ALGON Chairman) and Ismail Yusuf (Director of Local Governments, Jigawa State), expressed optimism that the training would equip them with the knowledge needed for responsible governance.
They pledged to implement financial regulations and promote transparency in their respective offices.
Conclusion
As Nigeria continues its fight against corruption, collaborations between government agencies, legal reforms, and training for public officials remain essential.
The House of Representatives and EFCC reaffirm their commitment to ensuring a more transparent and accountable governance system.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for updates on governance and anti-corruption efforts.
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