The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called for greater youth involvement in the fight against corruption, emphasizing their role as key drivers of social change.
Speaking during the 2024 United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration on Monday, Fagbemi identified the need for the youth to channel their energy, passion, and innovative potential of Nigerian youths to shape a future rooted in integrity and accountability.
Fagbemi stressed that corruption undermines societal progress by depriving citizens of essential services, fueling inequality, and eroding trust in democratic institutions.
He noted that the involvement of youths was vital as they have been at the forefront of transformative movements and possess the capacity to lead efforts for meaningful change.
Fagbemi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2022-2026 and its Action Plan, which focuses on ethical orientation, strengthening governance structures, and combating corruption at national and subnational levels.
The AGF called on the National Assembly and other stakeholders to fulfill their assigned roles under the plan to ensure its success.
The AGF also highlighted ongoing efforts by his ministry, including the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee, the development of an Anti-Corruption Funding Framework, and the resourcing of the NACS Secretariat.
Fagbemi emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of corruption-related crimes, such as cyber fraud and other illicit activities, by promoting value orientation, transparency, and accountability.
He also underscored the need to integrate anti-corruption values into educational curricula, encourage youth participation in governance, and enhance the use of technology to support whistleblowing and transparency initiatives.
The AGF lauded the government’s ongoing youth empowerment programs, including financial support for education, digital and creative enterprise development, and talent export initiatives.
Fagbemi noted that these programmes are designed to tackle issues such as unemployment and inadequate educational opportunities which are often linked to corruption.
He also disclosed plans for the Nigerian National Youth Conference in February 2025 which will address critical youth-centered issues, including education and political participation.
As part of the global anti-corruption agenda, Fagbemi reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to international treaties such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and called for the ratification and implementation of the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption.
Nigeria’s chief law officer acknowledged the role of development partners, including the European Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the MacArthur Foundation, in supporting Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Fagbemi urged all stakeholders, including public institutions, private entities, and civil society, to foster a culture of accountability and transparency.
“Together, we can build a future where integrity is the norm, justice prevails, and corruption is reduced to the barest minimum,” he said.
