Anti-Corruption Fight: EU to fund Nigeria with €30 million

The European Union (EU) has agreed to support Nigeria with €30 million over the next five years to strengthen anti-corruption efforts.

This was said by Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, at the formal opening of phase 11 of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme in Nigeria (RoLAC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ms Isopi stated that the program would be implemented at the federal level as well as in five states: Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, and Lagos.

She also stated that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 had been enacted in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to combat violence in states.

“The programme is aimed at supporting the strengthening of the rule of law and the fight against corruption,” she said. “It is also aimed at reducing gender-based violence while promoting respect for human rights and ensuring inclusivity for all Nigerians.”

She stated that the first part of the initiative covered 1.5 million Nigerians, and that the second phase would be executed in five states over a five-year period.

“The states are Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, and Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the possibility of extension to two more states,” she went on to say.

The EU ambassador emphasized the first phase’s accomplishments, which included establishing and improving policies and processes.

She also mentioned greater inter-agency cooperation in the fight against corruption and the creation of synergies between government and civil society organizations as accomplishments.

The second phase, according to Ms Isopi, would focus on criminal justice, jail reform, reducing sexual and gender-based violence, and developing and executing anti-corruption policies and measures.

According to the EU envoy, the main impediment to an effective battle on corruption in Nigeria is enforcement.

Danladi Plang, the head of program at Nigeria International IDEA, stated that the overarching goal of RoLAC phase II was to consolidate the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria.

Kano State, according to Mr Plang, is the only state in Nigeria that has yet to domesticate the VAPP Act.

Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, praised the EU in his goodwill message for intentions to commence phase II of the initiative.

Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, also praised RoLAC’s leadership for its strong interface and exceptional nation-building programs.

According to Mr. Fagbemi, the program’s outcomes will help to bridge gaps in criminal justice and administrative reform, as well as improve processes and structures in the judicial sector.

(NAN)