The International Anti-Corruption Conference in Lithuania with the theme: Confronting Global Threats: Standing Up for Integrity, was a turning point in global efforts to combat corruption and tackle all forms of criminality. Following its participation at this year’s conference, the MacArthur Foundation Criminal Justice Cohort has conveyed a workshop to reflect on the outcomes, calling on all stakeholders to strengthen the implementation of anti-corruption policies.
The workshop which had members of the cohort and media practitioners focused on identifying strategies to combat corruption and bolster accountability mechanisms, as well as the urgent need for a unified approach to address the nation’s corruption challenges.
A central theme that emerged was the need to strengthen interagency collaboration, as participants underscored how fragmented efforts and siloed operations among anti-corruption bodies often hamper the effectiveness of their initiatives. They called for an integrated approach where agencies share intelligence, resources, and best practices to form a more cohesive and potent force against corruption.
The roles of CSOs and the media were also emphasized as critical in the fight against corruption. CSOs and media were enjoined to hold public officials accountable through their works by embracing, among others, digital tools that enable accurate and impactful advocacy against corruption.
Importantly, the workshop called on citizens’ involvement in the fight against corruption as a means of strengthening transparency and accountability in the governance process.
Participants also acknowledged that outdated regulations and bureaucratic loopholes provide safe havens for corrupt practices; calling for reforms that reflect current realities that ensure the swift prosecution of corruption in Nigeria.