By Mahdi Waziri Isa, Abuja
The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof Adulqadir Ibrahim Abikan, has sounded the alarm on the pervasive scourge of corruption, declaring it the most significant obstacle to Nigeria’s development.
This stern warning was issued during a 2-Day Workshop on Anti-Corruption Laws for Criminal Justice Stakeholders in Abuja, organized by NIALS with the support of the MacArthur Foundation.
“Corruption has crippled our nation’s progress, eroded public trust, distorted economic growth, and entrenched inequality,” Prof Abikan asserted.
“Today, we gather to launch a critical manual that will serve as a blueprint for action in our fight against corruption. This manual is not just a reference guide; it’s a powerful tool that equips judges, prosecutors, and investigators with the knowledge to tackle corruption head-on.”
The NIALS DG emphasized that the manual’s five chapters provide a comprehensive framework for navigating anti-corruption laws, including the Proceeds of Crime Act 2009 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
He urged stakeholders to embrace their roles and responsibilities in the fight against corruption, stressing that collective action is crucial to achieving the desired transformation.”We must confront the scourge of corruption that has landed Nigeria back on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list,” Prof Abikan declared.
“Through robust discourse and collective action, we aim to shed light on pressing issues, reinforce accountability, and reposition our nation’s anti-corruption framework.”
The NIALS DG expressed gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for their support and commended the NIALS team for their dedication in developing the manual. He urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the workshop and contribute their insights to shaping a more effective and resilient criminal justice system.
“Let us deepen our understanding of prosecuting and adjudicating corruption cases with greater precision and integrity,” Prof Abikan concluded. “Together, we can make a difference and reclaim our nation’s development trajectory.”
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