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Corruption: Enforce Public Service Laws, Lead By Example – Stakeholders Urge FG

Published

5 years ago

February 14, 2021

Justina Akanbi

Displeased by the diminishing integrity in Nigeria’s public sector, celebrated 2019 integrity icon, Tani Ali Nimlan has revealed that the best way the government can boost integrity among public servants is by implementing all the policies put in place to guide them on the path of integrity.

Nimlan who is an Assistant Director at National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, made the assertion during a special radio town hall meeting against corruption, organized by Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, with the support of MacArthur Foundation Friday in Abuja.

She stressed that the government has enough laws and policies that can encourage integrity in civil service if implemented. She added that it is high time government led by example in instilling integrity in the public sector.

According to Nimlan, apart from the fear of God, core values, respect for humanity and discipline were her biggest motivation in being a person of integrity.

Similarly, a Legal Practitioner, Nelson Kebordih disclosed that Nigeria as a country and the public sector have enough laws to fight corruption in the workplace but are inhibited and challenged with applicability and enforcement of already existing laws.

Kebordih noted that access to information in government offices remains a big challenge, stressing that Nigeria does not need more laws to fight systemic corruption but the willingness of people to abide by laws and willingness of government to enforce them.

“I will tell you that even now, with the Freedom of Information Act that is available, you make some requests to these public agencies, it is difficult to assess information, especially when the one that is involved has interest in what you are investigating.”

On her part, Grant and Compliance Officer at Integrity Nigeria, Kyura Wakkias said corruption in the public service can only be possible with private individuals colluding with government officials.

She said the major reason why integrity is dying in the public sector was because corruption has become a culture among public servants. Wakkais, however, called for more public servants who show integrity to be celebrated to encourage others.

Senior Program Officer at Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Jasper Ukachukwu averred that there should be encouragement and incentive for public servants who are standing upright, while commending the efforts PRIMORG in organizing such an event.

He noted that filling Nigeria’s public service with people of integrity will boost Nigeria’s reputation and influence across Africa.

“Integrity can be greatly improved among public servants if their welfare packages and salaries are prioritized by the government and people of integrity should be celebrated and rewarded to encourage others,” Ukachukwu stated.

On his part, representative of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Prince Chimaraoke Chukwuka said the leadership of the country has the bulk of responsibility in encouraging integrity and fighting corruption.

He also disclosed that Mrs. Abiola Momoh, who works as a nurse at a Local Government Secretariat in Kogi State won the 2020 Integrity Icon Awards.

The PRIMORG’s Radio Town Hall Meeting Against Corruption series is aimed at calling the public and government attention to specific issues of corruption in Nigeria.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

7 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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