Leena Hoffmann: Nigeria should accelerate legal reforms to tackle corruption

Leena Hoffmann, associate fellow of the Africa Programme at Chatham House, says the Nigerian government needs to implement legal reforms to accelerate change. 

In a research paper published on March 18, Hoffmann recommended that the government should work with the national assembly to pass legislation that mandates asset declarations while ensuring public access to these records. 

The paper also recommends that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) should investigate public officials with suspicious wealth.  

“Nigeria is at a critical juncture. The government faces a choice between enabling the persistent deepening of corruption, which although not the sole cause of its economic crisis, will exacerbate it or earnestly tackling corrupt practices and concerning high levels of distrust in public institutions,” she wrote. 

“Many Nigerians have a desire to live in a more just society but view this as unachievable due to prevailing corruption norms, and a belief that there’s an absence of honest individuals they can align with. 

“This research demonstrates there are numerous positive social actors, championing credible leadership and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria whose behaviours the public could, and want to emulate. 

“The government needs to tap into these homegrown integrity role models. They’re the most potent messengers for anti-corruption campaigns, and with sufficient support and protection, should be at the core of corruption reforms.”