CSO reviews Nigeria’s implementation of UN anti-corruption convention

The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity has carried out an assessment of Nigeria’s performance in the enforcement of the anti-corruption protocols enacted by the United Nations (UN).

The study focused on the implementation of Chapter II (Prevention Measures) and Chapter V (Asset Recovery) of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which Nigeria signed on December 9, 2003.

In its review, the Center led by Dr. Umar Yakubu discovered that although many government institutions have adopted most UNCAC norms, their practical application often needs to be revised. The report identifies good practices and deficiencies.

It hailed the Nigeria Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) effected by the Attorney-General’s office and the development of the Government Integrated Financial and Management Information System, Bank Verification Number (BVN), National Identification Number (NIN), and Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

“However, there is low awareness of the NACS at the subnational level. No report is available to measure the reduction in corruption and the impact of establishing anti-corruption laws, agencies, and mechanisms. The anti-corruption agencies do not have structural independence,” the review notes.

The good practices further include the Public Service Rules (PSR), which provide standard operating procedures and policies that regulate work and the conditions of the public service. The rules affect public officials’ recruitment, training, promotion, and discipline.

“Implementing the National Strategy on Public Service Reforms and the Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM) and having a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure compliance with service standards