Vienna, 12 October 2017 - The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) greatly appreciates the solid commitment shown by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in confronting corruption in his own country and across the African Union.
In a July decision, the African Union unanimously endorsed the appointment of President Buhari as its anti-corruption champion. The Nigerian President, who has introduced a zero tolerance policy on corruption in his own administration, is expected to lead an African Union summit on anti-corruption next year.
This appointment is a welcome recognition of President Buhari's own efforts against corruption in Nigeria, and a sign of Africa's determination to rid itself of a crime that blights development and progress.
UNODC remains a staunch ally of Nigeria and the African Union and expresses the hope that fighting corruption will lead to greater economic growth and prosperity for all African people.
Nigeria, along with dozens of other countries, will take part in the Seventh Session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption, to be held 6-10 November. The conference brings together over 1,000 representatives of member states, academics, anti-corruption practitioners, and civil society to discuss how to tackle corruption.
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Corruption has a devastating impact on countries stealing vital funding from badly needed schools, roads and hospitals, while also undermining trust in vital institutions. UNODC, for over two decades, has been at the leading edge of international efforts to curb corruption's impact and protect infrastructure and economic growth.
Member States, in 2016, adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and there is a growing recognition that corruption is a severe obstacle to achieving development. Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda calls for substantial reductions in corruption and bribery in all their forms.
As the guardian of the UN Convention Against Corruption, UNODC has partnered with member states, including Nigeria, to create a level playing field for everyone. It helped forge a ground-breaking mechanism enabling countries to both review, and be reviewed, regarding the Convention's implementation.
Nigeria is an active participant in the review process, and also works closely with UNODC and its partners on asset recovery under the Convention. Today, 14 years after the Convention was first introduced, it is almost universal with 183 parties.
For further information, please contact:
David Dadge
Spokesperson, UNODC
Telephone: (+43 1) 26060-5629
Mobile: (+43-699) 1459-5629
Email: david.dadge[at]unvienna.org
