By Hussein Isah
The event which held at the Palms Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja brought together some experts, members of various CSOs and representatives of some government agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, ICAN and others discussed extensively on issues bordering on corruption during procurement and contract execution
Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, who was at event represented by Cecilia Ogwuche Legal officer, HEDA while speaking at the event provided an overview on the persistent issue of high-profile corruption cases noting that for over six decades since Nigeria’s independence, our country’s teeming potential has been held back by the corrosive effects of corruption.
This menace he said has greatly drained resources and hindered our growth as according to him, these aren’t just legal matters; but also they are grave offenses that erode public trust, divert resources from essential services, and stifle our country’s progress.
“So understanding the importance of transparent, accountable, and equitable procurement processes is paramount in preventing such occurrences as this has thwarted Nigeria’s true potentials.
“Promises to eradicate this plague have often remained empty rhetoric, while public resources are siphoned into private hands, impeding our national progress.
“We’ve witnessed not just millions but billions and trillions of foreign currency looted from public coffers by Nigerian and their foreign conspirators.
The costs of corruption he stressed, from inflated budgets and contracts to diverted funds meant for vital projects echoes these narratives .
Even more concerning, he went further, “is the growing audacity and sophistication of treasury looters, leading to abandoned projects, rising poverty, and heightened insecurity and this brazen pilfering of billions and trillions in foreign currency from public funds has remain a stark reality.
“Nigeria has not lacked agencies and bodies designed to combat corruption he noted as the Code of Conduct Bureau, EFCC, ICPC, and institutions like the HEDA Resource Centre have actively engaged in tackling, exposing and collaborating with stakeholders to combat financial crimes, money laundering, and abuse of office.
“Our dedication at HEDA to unveiling the deep-rooted nature of corruption is reflected in our annual publication, A Compendium of High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria.
This research he said details 100 high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria, reminding us of the pressing need to address corruption’s pervasive implications across all sectors of the country and serving as reminder to the pervasiveness of corrupt practices and frustration of our administration of criminal justice system in holding perpetrators of corruption to account.
“Our recent publication, the “Review of the 2020/2021 Marginal Fields Bid Licensing Round,” underscored the extent of corruption in the Upstream and Downstream Sectors, accentuating the need for reform and promotion of transparency in our extractive sector for ultimate benefits of the citizens.
He stressed further, the necessity of international cooperation citing events like the UK National Crimes Agency ultimately charging Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, with bribery offenses during her tenure.
He concluded by stating that their mission is to vigilantly monitor and expose corruption, advocate for accountability, and drive policy reforms that safeguard our nation’s interests as the prevalence of high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria, particularly in the realm of public procurement, has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms.
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