By ABAH SUNDAY, Abuja
Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof Adulqadir Ibrahim Abikan stated that corruption remains a pervasive obstacle to the nation’s development.
The NIALS boss noted this in his welcome address at a 2-Day Workshop on Anti-Corruption Laws for Criminal Justice Stakeholders, organised in Abuja by the institute with the support of MacArthur Foundation.
“This workshop could not have come at a more critical time. Corruption remains a pervasive obstacle to our nation’s development—undermining public trust, distorting economic growth, and entrenching inequality. Today, we gather not only to launch this manual but to ignite a transformative tool in Nigeria’s relentless fight against corruption.
“This manual, meticulously structured into five chapters, is more than a reference; it is a blueprint for action. It equips our judges, prosecutors, and investigators with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of anti-corruption laws, from the Proceeds of Crime Act 2009 to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 while emphasising ethics, integrity, and best practices.
“This initiative brings together criminal justice stakeholders to confront the scourge of corruption, which has regrettably returned Nigeria to the Financial Action task Force (FATF) grey list.
“Through robust discourse, we aim to shed light on pressing issues, reinforce accountability, and reposition our nation’s anti-corruption framework,” he said, urging every stakeholder in the justice sector to embrace the roles and responsibilities outlined in the document.
According to Prof Abikan, “only through collective action can we achieve the desired transformation in Nigeria’s fight against corruption”.
He expressed gratitude to the MacArthur Foundation for their unwavering commitment to strengthening the rule of law and accountability in Nigeria, saying “Your support has been indispensable,” and also commended the NIALS team for their scholarly rigour in developing this manual—your dedication is truly commendable.
To all stakeholders, the legal icon said, “As we proceed, I encourage you all to actively participate in the sessions ahead. Your insights are vital to shaping a more effective and resilient criminal justice system.
“Finally, I trust this workshop will deepen our understanding of prosecuting and adjudicating corruption cases with greater precision and integrity,” he concluded.