It gives me pleasure to deliver these introductory remarks during our debate on the African Anti-Corruption Year.
2. Let me also take this opportunity to thank your Excellencies for the continued support provided to me in driving and amplifying the African Union anti-corruption agenda.
3. Your unwavering support remains a strong source of strength and encouragement as we look forward to an even more vigorous second half of this year.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Ladies & Gentlemen
4. Since we last convened in Addis Ababa in January, much has been done to promote the anti-corruption message.
5. It is on this note that I wish to take this opportunity to heartily congratulate the Republic of Mauritius for ratifying the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combatting Corruption and thus becoming the 40th State Party to the Convention. We look forward to continued engagement and participation of Mauritius in the African Anti-Corruption effort.
6. I also call on all other Member States that have not yet done so to take all necessary measures to sign and ratify the Convention with a view to achieving its universal ratification during this calendar year.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
7. During the last 6 months, we have engaged in multi-sectoral dialogue with a broad range of actors including parliamentarians, national anti-corruption agencies, civil society, media, youth and women groups and development partners. We have convened three (3) different regional Consultative Workshops in line with my campaign programme in an effort to sensitize our people on the evil effects of corruption on our societies.
8. These workshops will be extended to other regional blocs as we continue the fight against corruption in a bid to transform our continent.
9. As these strategic consultations continue, I call on relevant actors to focus on concrete solutions through best practices.
10. The corrosive effect that corruption can have on societies was highlighted at the meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council held under the chairmanship of Nigeria in April 2018. The Open Session of the Council considered the link between corruption and conflict and its implications for peace and security in Africa.
11. The Council concluded by highlighting the need to utilize South-South cooperation mechanisms through voluntary information exchange, mutual legal assistance and sharing of best practices among national anti-corruption agencies, audit agencies and investigative bodies.
Excellencies,
12. As we continue to commemorate the African Anti-Corruption Year, the scourge of illicit financial flows continues to bite, eating back the gains and militating against the attainment of our aspirations under Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
13. I plan to convene the African Youth Congress in Abuja within the next quarter, and we will be working with the Chairman of the African Union, His Excellency, Paul Kagame and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, to organize an Interactive Dialogue on the theme at the next session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York during the high level segment.
14. We must all collectively work to place high on the agenda the need for open and participatory government, as well as the repatriation of stolen assets without procedural technicalities and legal obstacles.
Excellencies,
15. The dedication of the theme of the year to Anti-Corruption is a first for the Union and the reason for this debate.
16. Before us, we have a panel of distinguished experts and practitioners in the field of anti-corruption. The diversity of the panel is testament to both the need for a holistic approach to combating corruption, as well as the deep interest that different actors have in the field.
17. Distinguished panel members, we look forward to your insights and perspectives on the topic. But more importantly, we request your honesty and candidness.
18. Let me end my remarks by reiterating Nigeria’s abiding commitment to the fight against corruption.
19. I have the honour to formally open the debate.
20. Thank you for your kind attention.