The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended Nigeria for its significant strides in combating corruption, as revealed during the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day event held in Abuja.
Cheikh Toure, the UNODC Country Representative, highlighted encouraging findings from a recent national corruption survey, indicating a positive shift in public attitudes and governmental actions against corruption.
According to Toure, "A remarkable 70% of Nigerians, including a substantial number of youths, have refused to pay bribes on at least one occasion." This statistic underscores a growing culture of integrity among citizens, with 42% of respondents choosing not to engage in bribery purely on moral grounds.
The survey also reported a notable increase in formal procedures against corrupt public officials, rising from 16% in 2019 to 45% in 2023. Toure emphasized that these figures are more than just numbers; they represent a burgeoning resistance to corruption within the country.
Despite these advancements, Toure cautioned that there remains considerable work to be done. He stressed the importance of fostering integrity, transparency, and accountability in the public sector.
"Empowering youth is crucial," he noted, citing the disproportionate impact of corruption on young people, which limits their access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
Toure expressed optimism about the role of young Nigerians, stating, "Young people are not merely victims of corruption but powerful agents of change." He called for continued efforts to integrate youth into anti-corruption initiatives, highlighting their potential to drive meaningful reform.
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