Former minister tasks Nigerians on integrity to mitigate corruption

Former Minister of Finance and erstwhile head of the nation’s Economic Management Team, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, has lamented what he called the high level of corruption in the public sector.

Usman, who spoke after he was inducted alongside five others as Fellows of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN) at its 2016 yearly Presidential dinner and induction ceremony said Nigeria needs men of integrity now than before.

At the event, which also saw the induction of 55 new members of the Society, the renowned economist recalled with nostalgia that before now, there was a popular saying that the private sector was the giver of corruption, while the public sector was the taker.

The trend, he said has now changed with corruption assuming a scandalous level in the public sector.

He expressed delight for being associated with the Society and tasked Nigerians from all walks of life to imbibe the culture of integrity in order to wade off corruption in the country.

According to him, there is need to ensure that companies commit to the international code of corporate governance.

He further expressed happiness with the existence of SCGN to champion the course in order to stem the tide of corruption in the country.