The Federal Government of Nigeria is considering the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court in response to growing demands for such an institution. This move represents a significant shift in the government’s approach to combating corruption at the global level.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), expressed the government’s commitment to addressing corruption’s corrosive impact on Nigeria’s development, stability, and prosperity. He noted that an International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC) could play a crucial role in handling cases involving individuals and assets located abroad, often linked to grand corruption schemes that harm Nigeria’s development efforts. Such a court could complement and strengthen the nation’s domestic anti-corruption efforts.
Corruption is recognized as a significant threat to the stability, progress, and development of nations worldwide. It is described as a cancer that transcends borders, erodes trust, weakens institutions, hinders economic growth, and perpetuates social injustice.
The Chairman of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), Olanrewaju Suraj, expressed concern about corrupt individuals ascending to higher positions of power. He cited cases of ministers and governors accused of corruption returning to office and even heading government agencies. This has raised questions about accountability and the fight against corruption in Nigeria.