Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has expressed that combatting corruption in Nigeria cannot solely rely on enforcement measures.
He emphasized that it is more efficient and cost-effective to focus on preventing corruption rather than merely enforcing penalties. Professor Owasanoye conveyed this message during a one-day sensitization workshop in Kaduna, supported by the MacArthur Foundation. The workshop centered on instilling behavioral change in society using the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP).
In light of the prevalent lack of values such as honesty and integrity in Nigeria, Owasanoye underscored the necessity for a transformation in citizens’ behavior. He stressed that this transformation requires intentional efforts to replace negative behaviors with positive ones through the cultivation of virtuous values.
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Prof. Owasanoye noted that eradicating corruption cannot solely rely on a law-and-order approach through enforcement. He acknowledged that citizens should ideally exhibit respect for laws, fulfill commitments diligently, and value others, refraining from activities like government theft, cheating, and deceit.
Recognizing that many individuals fall short of this ideal, he advocated for proactive steps to shift negative behaviors towards positive ones by promoting and fostering positive values.
Malam Balarabe Lawal Abbas, the Secretary to the Kaduna State Government (SSG), represented by Nuhu Isiaku Buzum, the Permanent Secretary of Cabinet and Political Affairs, emphasized the significance of instilling honesty and integrity values within households to establish a society free from corruption.
The workshop participants comprised civil society organizations, representatives from the private sector, academics, and civil servants from federal and state ministries and agencies.
