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Corruption Is a Violation of Human Rights – AGF

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has painted a vivid assessment of the impact of corrupt...

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has painted a vivid assessment of the impact of corruption on national development, describing it as a direct assault on human dignity and a fundamental violation of human rights.

He also warned that its effects go far beyond economic losses to impact the very fabric of society.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja at a seminar organised by the Inter-Agency Task Team of Anti-Corruption Agencies to commemorate the 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day, Fagbemi said corruption remains one of the gravest threats to national development, democracy, and justice.

The event was themed, “Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption.”

The minister, who was represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jedy-Agba, said acts of corruption have devastating human consequences.

Fagbemi’s remarks come against a backdrop of recent corruption scandals, growing scrutiny of public officeholders in Nigeria and anti-corruption efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He said, “Corruption, as we well know, is a universal challenge that knows no borders. It robs governments of resources that could be used for essential public services.

“It erodes trust in institutions and undermines the very foundation of democratic societies.

“But beyond the statistics and financial implications, corruption represents a direct affront to human dignity. And it’s on this moral and constitutional foundation that we anchor our reflections today.”

Fagbemi stressed that misappropriation of funds for education robs future generations of opportunity, while corruption within the justice system erodes the principle of equality before the law.

“We have to reframe our understanding of corruption, not merely as a breach of law or failure of governance, but a profound violation of human rights and dignity.

“When public funds meant for hospitals are diverted, it is not just a policy failure. It is a denial of the right to life and health.

“When education budgets are misappropriated, it deprives generations of their future. When justice is traded for profit, it dismantles the very fabric of equality before the law. And this is why the fight against corruption is not just a political imperative, but a moral obligation.

“This is why the fight against corruption is not just a political imperative, but a moral obligation,” he noted.

The minister called for stronger protection of whistleblowers and investigative journalists, who he said are essential to the fight against corruption and in promoting transparency and accountability in public service.

“The fight against corruption is about defending the inherent value of our society and our shared humanity.

“As we build resilient institutions, we must also build a culture of dignity, where every Nigerian is treated fairly and every public institution sees service as a moral duty,” he added.

He emphasised that anti-corruption efforts must remain rooted in respect for the rule of law and due process, warning that law enforcement should not infringe upon civil liberties.

“Investigations must be fair, prosecutions impartial, and all actions guided by lawful procedures as provided by the Constitution and relevant statutes.

“We have signed various international, regional, and sub-regional treaties. I will just not bore you with all of it. But I’d just like to state that Nigeria remains unwavering in its commitment to fighting corruption.

“Our government agencies working together under the umbrella of the Interagency Task Force continue to work tirelessly in investigation, prosecution, and recovery,” he added.

In her remarks, the Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms, Jane Onwumerre, described the theme of this year’s commemoration, “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption,” as both timely and crucial, given the growing demand for integrity and accountability in public service.

“Corruption is not just a legal or financial issue; it violates the fundamental rights of our people. Diverted resources undermine development, erode trust in public institutions, and disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable,” she said.

She added that corruption strips citizens of their dignity, a foundational human right, by denying them access to basic services and equal opportunities.

Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, warned that corruption is not merely financial misconduct but a direct attack on citizens’ quality of life.

“It deprives people of access to education, healthcare, clean water, and justice. It fuels poverty, undermines democracy, and erodes trust in public institutions.

“At NEITI, we fight corruption through facts, disclosures, civic engagement, and partnerships,” Orji said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent, participants pledged continued support for regional anti-corruption initiatives.

-The Punch


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