Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has revealed reasons why it will be difficult for Nigeria to address corruption.
Abbas affirmed that there is a lot of corruption in the corridor of power, which has, in his opinion, prevented Nigeria from realizing its full potential.
The Speaker made this statement while addressing a policy dialogue on corruption, social norms, and behavioral change at an Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission event in Abuja.
The lawmaker identified several factors that enable and perpetuate corruption in the country, which includes behaviours, norms, attitudes, expectations, weak governance structures, lack of transparency.
He said “Despite this recognition, certain corruption-inducing behaviours, norms, attitudes, and expectations persist within our society, thereby, enabling and perpetuating acts of corruption.
“Corruption in Nigeria has been fuelled by various factors, including weak governance structures, lack of transparency and accountability, poverty, and cultural acceptance of corrupt practices.
Abba also said corruption festered in the country because of Nigerians’ attitude towards wealth, fame and success.
“While we have laws, policies and institutions to tackle corruption, it is my considered opinion that corruption continues to fester owing to prevailing societal attitudes towards wealth, fame, power and success regardless of how they are obtained,” the Speaker said.
He explained that the behavioural and social norms approach to tackling corruption is akin to cutting off the root of an evil tree than trimming its branches.
He, therefore, submitted that addressing corruption requires not only legal and institutional reforms but also a transformation of social norms and behaviours.