FG develops national anti-corruption strategy

Indications have emerged that the Federal
Government is developing a National Anti-
Corruption Strategy, which will guide the
anti-corruption campaign in the country.
When it is ready, the National Anti-
Corruption Strategy will be endorsed by
the Federal Executive Council as a policy
document, our correspondent learnt on
Sunday.
The strategy, which will be applicable to
both the public and private sectors, is
being developed by the Federal Ministry
of Justice.
A source in the ministry, who spoke to
our correspondent, explained that
Nigeria’s treaty obligations as a signatory
to the United Nations Convention Against
Corruption mandated it to have a
National Anti- Corruption Strategy.
The Federal Ministry of Justice is the focal
ministry in the country under the United
Nations Convention Against Corruption.
The source, who did not wish to be
named, said the strategy would give effect
to the Federal Government’s zero
tolerance for corruption and its
commitment to fighting graft “in all areas
of national life.”
“The Federal Government, through the
Federal Ministry of Justice, is articulating a
National Anti Corruption Strategy which
will guide the ongoing campaign against
corruption,” the source said.
Noting that the proposed strategy would
add “a much needed impetus” to the anti-
corruption campaign, the source added
that it would also outline action plans for
the various stakeholders in the war on
corruption, including the anti-graft
agencies.
The source said, “The NACS represents a
guideline for commitment and action by
the various stakeholders to transparency
and accountability in the governance
process.
“The strategy will outline a set of action to
be taken by the government and the
stakeholders, including the judiciary,
legislature, political institutions, media,
private citizens, civil society organisations
and businesses.”
Our correspondent learnt that a team
made up of representatives of relevant
government agencies, civil society groups
and the country’s development partners
would be involved in articulating the
strategy.
The draft NACS will be circulated to
relevant agencies and the civil society for
comments and inputs before the
adoption of the final document.