As Nigeria celebrated its 64th Independence anniversary on October 1, we find ourselves at a moment of both pride and profound reflection. Our Nation, blessed with immense resources and vibrant people, should by now have been an economic powerhouse, a beacon of prosperity in Africa. Instead, we continue to grapple with a deep-seated problem that has held us back for decades: corruption.
For too long, the scourge of corruption has permeated every sector of our society—crippling institutions, stifling development, and betraying the dreams of millions of Nigerians. As we mark another Independence anniversary, we must be honest with ourselves: no amount of ingenuity, good governance principles, or even the successful precedents set during your tenure as the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. President, can fix Nigeria’s problems without a relentless, undistracted, and head-on collision with corruption.
Nigeria’s development is not suffering from a lack of policies or a dearth of visionary leaders or even a dysfunctional constitutional system as canvassed in certain quarters. It is corruption that has frustrated every effort and diluted the best of intentions. Corruption has spread like a cancer across every level of governance and public life. It is the single greatest threat to our national progress. If we are to rise from this prostrate position, we need a strong leader to confront this beast with tenacity, boldness, and unwavering willpower. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I believe you are that leader. However, to succeed, the fight against corruption must be your government’s defining mission.
A nation gripped by corruption
Corruption has become so endemic in Nigeria that it feels almost impossible to remember a time when public trust in institutions wasn’t eroded by graft and self-interest. From inflated contracts and siphoned public funds to the illegal sale of public assets and the widespread practice of bribery, corruption has seeped into every corner of the Nigerian landscape. It is not limited to any single sector; it has infested our police force, our customs service, the judiciary, the electoral commission, our educational system, healthcare, and virtually every area of public service. This unchecked rot has crippled our progress and perpetuated a cycle of underdevelopment, poverty, and insecurity.
However, if your government is to be taken seriously, there are several sectors that must be tackled immediately and decisively: institutional corruption in the police, customs, electoral commission, and judiciary. These four pillars hold the key to our nation’s stability, justice, and development, and if corruption is eradicated here, it will reverberate through every aspect of national life.
The police force, which should be a trusted institution, has unfortunately become synonymous with bribery and extortion. Nigerians live in fear not just of criminals, but of those tasked with protecting them. Similarly, the customs service, whose role in protecting our borders and facilitating legitimate trade is critical, has become a playground for illicit transactions and underhanded dealings. The electoral commission, the foundation of our democracy, has lost credibility with elections frequently marred by malpractice, vote-buying, and undue influence. Finally, the judiciary, meant to be the last hope of the common man, is mired in accusations of bribery and manipulated verdicts. When these vital institutions are corrupted, the nation itself is broken.
A blueprint for change: Forensic audits and high-powered investigations
Mr. President, the time for vague anti-corruption pledges and half-hearted reforms is over. If we are to see meaningful change, you must embark on a forensic audit and investigation of the assets and bank accounts of all federal officeholders, past and present. Every public servant must be held to account for the wealth they have accumulated while in office. Any account or property that cannot be justified should be seized, and those responsible must be prosecuted without fear or favour.
It is imperative that you set up a high-powered, independent commission tasked with investigating these cases. This commission must operate with full autonomy, free from political influence or personal vendettas, and it must be given the power to recommend criminal prosecution where necessary. The recovered funds should be committed to vital areas that have long suffered from neglect—defending the naira, improving our healthcare system, upgrading our educational institutions, and combatting insecurity.
Such bold moves will demonstrate that Nigeria is serious about turning a new leaf. In a matter of months, we will witness a transformation in Nigeria’s global standing, with an immediate improvement in our transparency rankings, investor confidence, and overall national morale. It will send a powerful message both to Nigerians and to the international community: the days of impunity are over.
History’s lessons: Leaders who took on corruption and won
History is replete with examples of leaders who confronted corruption head-on and single-handedly steered their countries toward prosperity. One of the most notable examples is Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore. When Lee took office, Singapore was riddled with corruption and inefficiency. Through sheer willpower, strict anti-corruption policies, and the establishment of an incorruptible civil service, Lee transformed Singapore from a poor, third-world country into one of the most prosperous and least corrupt nations in the world.
He did this by making it clear that there were no untouchables in his administration; everyone was subject to scrutiny, from the lowest clerk to the highest minister.
Paul Kagame of Rwanda is another leader who took a strong stance on corruption and turned his nation around. After the devastating Rwandan genocide, Kagame focused on rebuilding his country and made anti-corruption efforts a cornerstone of his leadership. Today, Rwanda is one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with a reputation for clean governance and transparency.
Even closer to home, we can look at the examples of Botswana and Ghana, where strict anti-corruption measures under leaders like Seretse Khama and Jerry Rawlings helped stabilise their economies and foster development. In each case, these leaders understood that corruption was the single greatest obstacle to national progress, and they attacked it with determination.
The courage to lead
Mr. President, you have the pedigree of leadership. Your success in Lagos, despite the frequent browbeating and financial shackles by the Federal Government, speaks to your ability to manage complexity, bring order to chaos, and spur development. But now, as the President of Nigeria, the stakes are higher, and the challenges are greater. The presidency of Nigeria is a tough job, and the weight of this Nation’s future rests on your shoulders.
The biggest problem Nigeria faces is corruption, and this problem demands the focus and courage of a strong leader. Nepotism, sycophancy around the presidency, tokenism, and multifarious indecencies in high places must be dealt with decisively. Merit must be encouraged, and fairness must be promoted. It is the only way to restore public confidence in government and lay the foundation for a prosperous future.
The wealth of this nation must be spread as widely as possible, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of background, can benefit from the vast resources we possess. As we celebrate our independence, let us remember that true freedom cannot be achieved when corruption continues to rob Nigerians of the opportunities they deserve.
A new dawn beckons
Mr. President, the time for half-measures and incremental reforms is over. Nigeria is waiting for a leader who will take bold action, just as Lee Kuan Yew did for Singapore and Paul Kagame did for Rwanda. The time is ripe for you to seize this moment and cement your legacy as the leader who finally confronted and defeated corruption in Nigeria.
As you lead Nigeria into the next chapter of its history, let your administration be remembered not only for what was accomplished in Lagos, but for what was done to save Nigeria from the shackles of corruption. Your name can be etched in the annals of history alongside those who rose to the challenge and transformed their nations. The moment is now, and Nigeria is counting on you.
In fighting corruption, you will be fighting for the soul of Nigeria. This Independence anniversary, let that be your solemn pledge to the Nation: to lead with integrity, to confront corruption without fear, and to restore the hope and promise of a prosperous Nigeria.
Bassey, a Lawyer and public commentator wrote from Abuja.
