President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday in New York, USA, urged African leaders to fight tirelessly to get rid of corruption, lamenting that the continent has remained at the far end of global development index because of its menace.
The President spoke in his capacity as the African Union (AU) Champion on efforts to eliminate corruption in the continent, during a high-level side event on: Food Security Response: Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Securing Asset Returns for Sustainable Development, on the margins of the 77th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
Providing his perspectives on the effects of corruption in the continent and the way forward at the event, which was co-hosted by African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africas Development (AUDA-NEPAD), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian leader said he was honoured to serve as AU Champion on anti-corruption since 2018: According to him, We need strong partnerships from our global partners to ensure that these efforts succeed. A developed and stable Africa will not only be a global partner for peace but for sustainable development and progress.
The President, therefore, challenged his colleagues, saying for the continent to rise to its full potential, we must work tirelessly to get rid of corruption or by fighting it 24/7. He urged his colleagues to recall the UNs General Assembly Special Session against Corruption political declaration of June 2021 and ensure its effective implementation toward global food security and sustainable infrastructural development in the continent.
The Nigerian leader, however, cautioned that these lofty goals cannot be achieved if corruption, illicit financial flows, serious and organized crimes are not effectively addressed. He, therefore, pledged not to relent in efforts to curb illicit financial flows, engender food security and achieve sustainable economic development.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said that reports from law enforcement agencies especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) show that illicit financial flows undermine efforts to development, including food security. The UN estimates that $1.6trillion is lost each year due to illicit financial flows, which has a negative impact on global growth and development.
According to him, however, the Nigerian government is dealing with the situation, saying, Just this year, Mr President has signed the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act, (2022), the Proceed of Crimes Act just to mention a few.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of International Organisations as well as Development Partners.
