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Stakeholders Accuse FG For Booming Corruption In MDAs

Published

5 years ago

January 28, 2021

.••Call For Probe In Agric, Health Ministries

The Federal Government’s attitude to reports and allegations of corruption against government officials have been described as lackluster, uninspiring and the main reason for the booming corruption in Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.

The assertion was made on Wednesday by the Communication and Advocacy Director at Make A Difference Initiative, Lemmy Ughegbe during a radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG.

Ughegbe who was reacting to separate Premium Times investigations exposing payment of a whooping N3.08 billion into the private accounts of 42 staffers of the ministry of Agriculture, and N2.4 billion into the private accounts of 25 staff members of the Health ministry, said he was not astonished by the revelations given antecedents of the current administration.

According to him, corruption has always been a problem in Nigeria; however, the report lends credence to beliefs that corruption is heightened under President Muhammadu Buhari administration due to his actions and inactions.

“In a government that rode on the mantra of incorruptibility and to fight corruption, any semblance or device of corruption you deal with decisively so as to discourage others.

“Now we have seen a government that looks at faces, deodorizes corrupt people who are in their own circle and put others who are not to trial,” Ughegbe said.

He added that the disbursement of such huge amount of public fund into private pockets of government officials was the reason for the decay in Nigeria’s Health system and Agric system which is caused by failure of the leadership, lamenting that President Buhari has not shown enough intolerance for corruption.

Ughegbe called on citizens to realize the powers they have and unite against lack of accountability by leaders, amongst other forms of corruption.

“Citizens must know that the biggest office in the land is that of the citizens, therefore, we must know our strength. We must de-emphasize ethnicity and religion. One of the first ways of getting it right is if we can unite and insist on reform of our Electoral Act,” He said.

On his part, Premium Times reporter, Yusuf Akinpelu said the government’s lack of political will was the reason perpetrators of corruption in government offices are not always punished.

Akinpelu noted that the financial infractions by Health and Agric Ministries contravenes the Civil service rules, lamenting that the disbursement of funds should have gone through corporate accounts instead of private accounts which gives room for corruption in the sector.

He decried anti-graft agencies lack of action against the ministries and the government officials involved in the fraud despite publishing the report and vowed to continue reminding them of the investigations until concrete action is taken.

“What is emboldening corruption in government ministries is the fact that people are not punished. After the investigation, Premium Times reached out to ICPC, EFCC and NFIU to take action. We will continue reminding and pressurizing them until something is done,” Akinpelu assured.

Several participants who called into radio program through the phone called on government to fight corruption decisively and punish officials in the MDAs who contravene the extant regulations and laws.

The syndicated radio program is produced by PRIMORG with the support from the MACARTHUR FOUNDATION.

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Featured

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

Published

1 week 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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