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Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have pledged their support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies at a Roundtable on Anti-Corruption held today in Abuja.

Organized by the Conference of Civil Societies and Centre for Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO), the meeting emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between civil society and the government to root out corruption.

Opening the event, Mr. Adams Otakwu, Chairperson of the Conference of Civil Societies and Coordinator of CIMICO, spoke passionately about the dangers corruption poses to national security and development.

He urged CSOs to rally behind the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), noting that civil society’s support is crucial to sustaining the anti-graft fight.

“Civil societies must be the shield against the forces that seek to discredit our anti-corruption agencies,” Otakwu said.

Professor Godswill Nnaji, President of the Centre for Excellence, Leadership and Development (CELD), drew attention to the economic consequences of corruption, which he described as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic decline.

Nnaji called on the public to join in the fight against corruption, asserting that collective action is necessary to restore the nation’s wealth and stability.

He highlighted the need for a national awakening to challenge the culture of corruption.

In his remarks, Mr. Chris Oluka, representing the EFCC, outlined the Commission’s efforts to combat corruption, including its challenges in prosecuting high-profile cases.

Oluka mentioned the case of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, who has persistently evaded prosecution, a situation he described as both frustrating and emblematic of the obstacles the EFCC faces.

Oluka reassured the gathering that despite these setbacks, the EFCC remains resolute in its mission.

Dr. Simon Kave, Executive Director of Partnership Africa, condemned the evasion of prosecution by public figures, stressing that such actions should be viewed as a serious crime.

He expressed concern that allowing high-profile individuals to escape justice could set a dangerous precedent, emboldening others to follow suit. Kave called on CSOs to continue to hold public officials accountable.

The roundtable ended with a strong consensus that civil society must not only support anti-corruption efforts but also take the lead in ensuring that the fight remains at the forefront of national discourse. Participants agreed that CSOs should actively engage in public sensitization and press advocacy to strengthen the accountability framework in Nigeria.

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