The Nigerian Bar Association Anti Corruption Committee has joined the global community in marking International Anti Corruption Day 2025, restating its commitment to fight corruption across Nigeria. The committee said the commemoration on 9 December is grounded in the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and urged Nigeria to fully domesticate and vigorously implement the treaty as a national priority.
In a statement, the committee’s chairman, Babafemi Badejo, welcomed the recent pledge by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun, to uphold the rule of law. He described the rule of law as the most powerful tool against corruption but warned it cannot be realised while corruption remains widespread in the country. Badejo said the committee at national and branch levels is ready to work with the judiciary, all arms and levels of government and all sectors of society to turn this commitment into concrete results.
To strengthen the fight at the grassroots, the Nigerian Bar Association has created Anti Corruption Committees in all its state branches. These committees are expected to drive legal advocacy, promote accountability, support whistleblowers and assist in prosecuting corruption cases.
The statement highlighted actions already taking place at branch level. In Anambra State, the Idemili Branch is recognising efficiency and integrity by giving awards to High Court and Magistrate Court registrars considered most dedicated, as a way to encourage best practices and discourage corrupt behaviour.
In Kaduna and Barnawa, the branch Anti Corruption Committees are working with agencies such as the EFCC, NSCDC and NDLEA. They also run radio and television programmes in Hausa and English to raise public awareness and sensitise citizens on the dangers of corruption. The Ikorodu Branch committee has also been active in advocacy and public engagement on corruption issues.
Badejo called corruption a cankerworm that destroys development, undermines justice and fuels insecurity. He stressed that corruption is not normal and must never be accepted as a way of life in Nigeria.
The committee urged lawyers, public officials, civil society groups and citizens from all walks of life to reject apathy and complacency in the face of corruption. It said the time for collective action, grounded in law and driven by integrity, is now, and pledged to work with all willing partners to restore integrity to public life.
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