AGF Urges States: Develop Anti-Corruption Strategies in Nigeria

• The Federal Government has urged all 36 states and the FCT to develop and implement homegrown anti-corruption strategies to improve transparency and public service delivery.
• Only seven states, including Plateau State, have commenced subnational anti-corruption strategy implementation, as revealed by the National Anti-Corruption Secretariat.
• Plateau State has advanced its Integrity and Accountability Strategy (PLASIAS) with an action plan set for validation in August 2026.
• The Attorney-General's representative emphasized that state-level ownership is crucial for translating the national anti-corruption framework's five pillars into practical reforms.
• Experts highlighted that anti-corruption efforts are vital for strengthening ethical standards and addressing poor public service delivery, not for 'witch-hunting' officials.

Every reform that increases transparency and accountability is an act of justice.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong directive to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, urging them to develop and implement their own localized anti-corruption strategies. This call underscores a national commitment to improving transparency, accountability, and the delivery of public services across the country, with a particular emphasis on effective action at the subnational level.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, conveyed this critical message through his representative, Mrs. Victoria Ojogbane, who heads the National Anti-Corruption Secretariat. The pronouncement was made during a three-day workshop held in Jos, the capital of Plateau State. The workshop focused on crucial implementation tools for the Plateau State Integrity and Accountability Strategy (PLASIAS), specifically addressing its Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation framework, operational guidelines, and templates.

This federal push for state-level anti-corruption action highlights a strategic shift towards embedding integrity measures deeply within local governance structures. The initiative aims to foster a more robust environment for subnational anti-corruption compliance Nigeria, recognizing that national efforts alone are insufficient without corresponding commitment and action from state governments.

During the workshop, Mrs. Ojogbane commended the Plateau State Government for its proactive approach, noting its significant progress in advancing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy implementation. She revealed that Plateau State is one of only seven states nationwide that have commenced the process of implementing subnational anti-corruption strategies. This stark figure was drawn from a scorecard shared during a recent engagement between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Attorneys General of all 36 states in Abuja.

Plateau State has not only developed its strategy but has also progressed to preparing a detailed action plan, which is slated for validation on August 28, 2026. This commitment exemplifies the state-level ownership deemed critical for translating the broader national strategy into tangible reforms. The national framework itself is built upon five core pillars: prevention, public engagement, campaigns for ethical reorientation, enforcement and sanctions, and the recovery of proceeds from corruption. Mrs. Ojogbane emphasized that while the federal framework provides the architectural blueprint, it is state implementation that brings this vision to reality.

The National Anti-Corruption Secretariat underscored the direct and detrimental impact of corruption on citizens' daily lives, linking it explicitly to poor public service delivery. Mrs. Ojogbane articulated that corruption is not an abstract concept but manifests in tangible failures, such as clinics lacking essential medicines, schools without adequate roofing, and boreholes devoid of water. She asserted that such systemic failures erode public trust, making every reform that enhances transparency and accountability a fundamental act of justice.

In recognition of the leadership required for such reforms, the Attorney General of the Federation extended commendation to Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Head of Service of Plateau State. This acknowledgment specifically highlighted their political will and unwavering commitment to the implementation of the state's anti-corruption strategy, signaling the importance of strong leadership in driving these crucial initiatives forward. The development of robust state-level anti-corruption action plans is seen as a vital step in addressing these pervasive issues.

Further insights were provided by Prof. Ada Chidi Igbokwe, the Lead Consultant on Transparency and Accountability for ROLAC, who explained that the workshop's design aimed to equip institutions with practical tools to transition PLASIAS from policy formulation to active implementation. Prof. Igbokwe expressed confidence that these strategies, once fully implemented, would significantly bolster transparency and accountability within governance processes across Plateau and other participating states.

Mantim Dala, the State Project Coordinator of ROLAC in Plateau, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how lapses in accountability have historically weakened governance systems and adversely affected service delivery in critical sectors like health, education, housing, and infrastructure. Dala urged participants to leverage the strategy to fortify ethical standards within public institutions, clarifying that the anti-corruption initiative is not intended as a 'witch-hunt' against public officials. Instead, its core purpose is preventative, ensuring that individuals who adhere to due process and uphold ethical conduct have nothing to fear, whether in or out of service.

Lawyers and compliance officers should closely monitor the development and implementation of anti-corruption strategies at the state level, as these will introduce new compliance obligations, reporting requirements, and increased enforcement risks for businesses and public officials operating within those jurisdictions.

Source: Reporting based on agency dispatches.