President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has identified behavioural change as the only tool left to tackle corruption and diminishing social values in the country.

He spoke yesterday at the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social Norms and Behavioural Change in Nigeria.

Noting that tackling corruption involves transparency, accountability and strengthening of existing legal frameworks, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State said the 10th Senate is positioned to bridge extant legislative gaps in the fight against corruption.

His words: “Undoubtedly, behavioural change is a deeper issue, which if contextually understood, could be our single biggest instrument in addressing corruption and the progressive destruction of social norms in our communities.

“The process of behavioural change typically involves awareness and recognising the need for change and potential benefits and consequences associated thereof. This affects gathering information, learning and becoming aware of existing behaviours. It also involves motivation and developing the desire to change.

“The motivation to change certain behaviours can be influenced by personal goals, values, social pressures or external incentives.

“Essentially, behavioural change becomes possible when we educate and inform by providing accurate and relevant information about the unacceptable behaviours, its consequences and alternative options. This helps individuals make informed decisions and understand the benefits of the change that we seek.”

Akpabio continued: “I also believe that in achieving behavioural changes, incentives and rewards play a great role, as they tend to reinforce desired behaviours. Tangible reward, recognition or positive feedback that encourages individuals to continue or adopt new behaviors has the capacity to drive people towards new behaviours.”

Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, who submitted that corruption had stated that  in the case of Nigeria, sleaze has been widely celebrated.

“Despite this recognition, certain corruption-inducing behaviours, norms, attitudes and expectations persist within our society, thereby enabling and perpetuating acts of corruption.

“Corruption in Nigeria has been fuelled by various factors, including weak governance structures, lack of transparency and accountability, poverty and cultural acceptance of corrupt practices,” he regretted.