EU To Promote Rule Of Law, Anti-corruption Fight In Nigeria

European Union (EU) in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistant (International IDEA) is to spend about N26,937,019,173.00 (€30 million) on strengthening the rule of law and anti-corruption (RoLAC) sectors in Nigeria.

It was gathered that the new project followed the successful execution of the first project.

The €30 million which would be spent on social justice will cover the period of 2023-2027.

Speaking during the launch of the RoLAC phase II, the Head of Programme, Nigeria International IDEA, Mr Danladi Plang, said democratic governance and the rule of law are the bedrock of the European Union and its role in the world.

“A community of 27 countries and over 400 million people based on the rule of law and on shared fundamental values: the European Union is a unique space of peace, social progress and shared prosperity.

“Over 200 projects and initiatives are currently funded by the EU around the world to promote democratic governance and-the rule of law and benefit-the most vulnerable in the society.

“Fight against corruption is an essential part of these efforts,” Plang said while explaining why the EU and the International IDEA are supporting the anti-corruption fight in Nigeria.

“Corruption is a challenge in Nigeria, and indeed in many countries of the world, as it undermines good governance and human rights, and contributes to poverty. It is proven that corruption undermines the foundations of democratic institutions and represents a major barrier to social and economic growth.

“Corruption weakens the trust of citizens in democratic institutions and indeed threatens stability. Corruption varies in nature and extent, but it affects all countries.

“The fight against corruption is therefore a fundamental part of the EU agenda, internally and externally, and is a priority in our engagement with partner countries.

“The European Union has supported Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts since 2005, contributing a total of 88 million euros through three successive and successful programmes.

“These programmes have been locally driven, and aimed at strengthening evidence-based policymaking and people-oriented service delivery. They also aimed at creating a culture of transparency and accountability.

“They have supported Nigerian civil society to further enhance its role as watchdog, providing the skills that will help hold the Government to account and to ensure that corruption does not remain business as usual.

“The European Union is committed to continuing to support the Government in its policies and actions against corruption. Nigeria has a robust legal, regulatory and institutional framework to adequately address corruption and illicit activities,” Plang said, adding that €30 million has been earmarked for the project in the next four years.

The executive director, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistant, Fiona Rowley, said money voted for RoLAC is to strengthen the rule of law and anti-corruption programmes.

She said the programme will help Nigeria to achieve the SDGs and national plans adding that they will want the partners to support them for the programme implementation.

Also, Ambassador and Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, said 1.5 million people in Nigeria have benefited from the RoLAC programmes which is strengthening institutions especially the fight against corruption, creating access to justice, and ensuring justice to sexual victims.

She said their activities also helped the states to adopt the child rights and other laws.

The minister of economic planning, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, and the attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice, Mr Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, in their separate speeches said they will support the project to succeed, adding that the phase I of the project was a success.