We Are Committed To Eradicating Corruption In Nigeria – NOA

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari has come out to say that the success or failure in the prosecution of the war vs corruption will depend on how we embrace our positive social norms.

Dr. Garba revealed this at an enlightenment and sensitization workshop to embrace anti-corruption social norms and participate in the fight against corruption in Nigeria organized by Social Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP in Abuja.

According to him, his agency is very committed to ending corruption in the country and several campaigns targeted at enlightening the people on the demerits of corruption and influencing their attitudes have been active.

He added that the National Orientation Agency has led anti-corruption programme of successive governments and the current administration has anti-corruption as one of its vital areas of concentration.

His words, “As citizens of Nigeria we must all work and support any government that shows interest in fighting corruption.”

“The Nigerian society including federal, state governments, non state actors, private individuals have put a lot of efforts in combating corruption. The extent of success of these various measures and interventions has been mixed at best. While strong anti-corruption institutions and raft of legislation are in place, the problem of corruption still persists.

“In most countries, anti corruption interventions have been focused on the legislative and enforcement dimensions of corruption. The assumption has been that corruption is perpetrated by a minority deviant group.”

“The report also discovered that social media and the internet in general are the most common source of information on corruption at 38% and 33% respectfully and therefore are the most dependable channels to successfully reach the majority and influence behaviour change.

“Findings from the report pointed out that 27% of the respondents believed that poverty is the major force compelling Nigerians to indulge in acts of corruption.

“The report recommended that “all Nigerians should see themselves as the direct bearers of the deficits of corruption in all its ramifications and offer themselves as agents of social change and positive action through the use of the numerous normative tools available for holding government and government officials accountable for corrupt practices.”