Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) marked International Anti-Corruption Day by urging Nigerians to unite against corruption, which continues to undermine the nation’s socio-economic progress.
CISLAC praised the dedication of anti-corruption agencies despite facing significant political and resource challenges.
Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, said, “Corruption is the root cause of poverty and insecurity in Nigeria,” adding , “We must support our anti-corruption agencies to ensure they can effectively combat this menace.”
CISLAC highlighted the pervasive impact of corruption across various sectors, including security, healthcare, and education. The organization pointed out that billions intended for national defense have been misappropriated, leaving troops underequipped in the fight against insurgency. “The security sector is plagued by corruption that diverts funds meant for counterterrorism efforts,” Rafsanjani added.
The healthcare system also suffers from systemic corruption, with only 5% of the national budget allocated to health services, far below the recommended 15%. “The lack of proper funding has resulted in a dire doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:6,000,” he noted.
Corruption in Nigeria has emerged as a significant barrier to accessing essential services, exacerbating poverty and deepening inequality. Mismanagement of funds and systemic corruption have left millions without adequate healthcare, clean water, nutritious food, and quality education.
In the healthcare sector, the 2024 budget allocates only 5% of national funds, far below the recommended 15%. This underfunding has resulted in a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:6,000, leading to delayed diagnoses and high mortality rates. Reports indicate that funds intended for healthcare facilities have been misappropriated, with hospitals like Hasiya Bayero Pediatric Hospital in Kano facing neglect.
Access to clean drinking water is similarly compromised. UNICEF reports that about 70 million Nigerians lack basic water services, while 23% rely on contaminated sources. Corruption in water management has resulted in ghost projects and inflated contracts, worsening public health.
The agricultural sector is also affected, with only 40% of arable land cultivated due to corruption in the allocation of resources. This has led to food insecurity, forcing Nigeria to borrow grains from ECOWAS despite its agricultural potential.
In education, approximately 20 million children are out of school—the highest globally. Misappropriated public funds have resulted in deteriorating infrastructure and unpaid teacher salaries. Additionally, sexual exploitation within schools has further eroded trust in the system.
The plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) underscores the impact of corruption. With over 4.3 million IDPs lacking adequate food, water, and medical care due to mismanaged funds, their suffering is compounded by corruption in humanitarian aid distribution.
Rafsanjani warned that without significant reforms and accountability measures, millions of Nigerians will continue to be deprived of their basic rights and needs. Addressing corruption is essential for fostering socio-economic development and improving access to essential services across the country.
