Bar Association, Anti-Graft Commission, Academy To Tackle Corruption

By Aza Abba, Abuja

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework through enforcement, education and institutional reform.

The collaboration was formalised in Abuja with the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the NBA, through its Anti-Corruption Committee (NBAA-CC), and the ICPC, as well as its training arm, ACAN.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the NBA Anti-Corruption Committee, Prof. Babafemi A. Badejo, said the signing of the agreements was a defining moment in the collective effort to build a Nigeria anchored in integrity, strong institutions and respect for the rule of law.

“These agreements represent a comprehensive strategy, one that combines enforcement and prevention with education and cultural reshaping.

“They acknowledge that to eradicate corruption, we must not only focus on holding the corrupt accountable, but also seek to empower members of our society, especially those with integrity, with the knowledge, tools, and institutional support to act with integrity,” he said.

According to him, the first MoU, signed with the ICPC, establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration to promote professional integrity within the legal profession, enhance capacity building, raise public awareness, and advocate sound policy reforms.

He noted that the agreement also shows the inverse relationship between corruption and the rule of law, stressing that as one weakens, the other strengthens.

The second MoU with the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, according to him, focuses on education, training and research as long-term tools for addressing corruption.

Badejo further said the agreement provides a structured pathway for developing anti-corruption curricula, conducting joint research and delivering certificate programmes, both paid and free, for lawyers and allied professionals.

“This is more than a signing ceremony; it is a declaration that the guardians of the law and the fighters of corruption are now formally aligned in purpose, strategy, and resolve.

“It is a promise to the Nigerian people that we are building a united front, one dedicated to nurturing a future where transparency, accountability, and the rule of law are the undeniable pillars of our society,” he added.

He urged all parties to approach the implementation of the MoUs with a strong sense of duty and renewed commitment to national development.

Also speaking, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the ICPC, emphasised the need for coordinated action against corruption and commended the NBA’s leadership, particularly the Anti-Corruption Committee, for their commitment.

He noted that corruption thrives where institutions work in silos, while integrity flourishes where partnerships are forged.

“The signing of this MoU is a statement of intent. It affirms that the ICPC and the Nigerian Bar Association are united in resolve, aligned in strategy, and committed to translating words into action.

“Our task begins today in implementation, mutual accountability, and sustained engagement,” he said.