President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday pledged the willingness of the Federal Government to lead African countries in the fight against corruption.
Buhari made this promise in Abuja at the inauguration of the maiden edition of Anti-Corruption Academy Training Programme, organised by the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA).
Represented by Mr Babachir Lawal, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the president said the programme was timely considering the need to step up anti-corruption war.
“This ceremony, which brings together national and international experts, marks the inauguration of NACIWA annual anti-corruption skills exchange programme.
“The programme is in line with the vision of NACIWA, which seeks to mobilise political support and necessary resources in order to consolidate anti-corruption culture within the West African region.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria is totally committed to the fight against all forms of corruption,’’ Buhari said.
According to him, working in collaboration with other sister agencies across Africa, the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies have the task to step up efforts in the fight against corruption.
“My dear participants, I want you to take away with you not only the lessons and shared experiences from this training but the knowledge that Nigeria is able and willing to lead Africa in the war against corruption.
“I urge you to come up with physical and practical recommendations that the participating countries can utilise in addressing our common problems of under-development and insecurity,” he added.
In his remark, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, the Chairman of EFCC, said NACIWA was created by anti-corruption agencies across West Africa to promote coordination and cooperation among anti-corruption institutions.
He said that training and knowledge sharing was central to the strategic plans of the network, adding that continuous capacity building had been pivotal to the EFCC success story. (NAN)
