UK High Commissioner Calls for Collaborative Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria
By Patience Ikpeme
The United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has acknowledged the UK’s role in facilitating a permissive environment for illicit financial flows due to its high ranking in the Global Financial Secrecy Index.
He made this disclosure during the Policy Conversation on the State of Anti-Corruption Policy and Practice in Nigeria, organized by Agora Policy, which took place in Abuja on Tuesday and aimed to shed light on anti-corruption efforts in the country.
“We accept in the UK that we are not blameless,” Montgomery declared, stressing the implications of the UK’s financial policies on both the domestic and international stages. He remarked that the UK’s financial sector has consistently ranked among the top 15 countries for financial secrecy, underscoring the need for greater transparency and action to uphold the integrity of financial markets both abroad and at home.
Montgomery went on to assure of the UK’s commitment to assist Nigeria in its ongoing battle against corruption. “We have a legitimate interest and a small part to play, both at home and abroad,” he said, emphasizing that genuine change must ultimately arise from Nigerian leaders and institutions. “We are particularly keen to get behind people who have the bravery and courage to take these issues on in Nigeria,” he added.
He outlined four key areas of collaboration between the UK and Nigeria as part of their strategic partnership, which was formalized just months prior when the UK Foreign Secretary met with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and President. The partnership focuses on countering illicit finance, improving mutual legal assistance, enhancing financial intelligence, and contributing to the development of a comprehensive UK anti-corruption strategy.
Despite recognizing progress, Montgomery noted that numerous challenges remain, exacerbated by global financial systems that allow money to move across borders without transparency. “We need to address the financial vulnerabilities in our systems in the UK as well as in other countries,” he stated emphatically.
Echoing the High Commissioner’s sentiments, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Adejoke Liman, lamented several barriers hindering Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, including public cynicism, lack of security for anti-corruption officials, and issues related to prosecuting high-profile cases. “We are not likely to make the kind of impact envisaged until these challenges are addressed,” he warned.
Liman called for a system that detects and prevents public officers from misappropriating funds, noting that recent economic initiatives by the EFCC aim to stimulate the economy through focused efforts on anti-corruption. These initiatives include the Department of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC), which seeks to prevent future corruption by identifying and mitigating risks before they manifest.
During the event, Ogobo Ode Atuluku Esq, Chairperson of Agora Policy, introduced their new report focusing on anti-corruption strategies post-2023 elections. She emphasized the think tank’s dedication to addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues through research and policy advocacy. “Our overriding message is that anti-corruption efforts should not fall off the radar with a change in government,” Atuluku stated. She applauded the inclusion of youths in the anti-corruption dialogue, linking today’s event to the International Anti-Corruption Day theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
The discussions culminated in a call for collective action among stakeholders, with Montgomery and Liman both expressing their commitment to fostering a cohesive strategy in the fight against corruption. With a collaborative framework now in place, hopes are high that Nigeria can tackle its corruption challenges more effectively, drawing on both local wisdom and international support.
