International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated around the world on December 9 each year. The Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003, following the adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The aim of the Day is to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.
Undoubtedly, corruption is pervasive in Nigeria. In 2020, Nigeria’s score on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index was as low as 25 out of 100, and its position was 149 out of 180 countries. This high rate of corruption has stunted progress and development in the country, as valuable resources are diverted away from building facilities and implementing projects into the hands of corrupt politicians.
Even at the individual level, corruption in Nigeria is pervasive. Although many individuals point hands at corrupt politicians, they fail to fight corruption in their personal lives. Corruption does not only relate to rigging elections or diverting public funds for personal use. Bribery, nepotism, and even cheating during exams are all examples of corruption. Against this context, all citizens – both the young and old – have a role to play in the fight against corruption.
Incidentally, today also marks Day 15 of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It is evident that a corrupt society cannot achieve the goal of gender equality. This is because the resources means to remove the structural and institutional barriers facing women will be in the hands of corrupt politicians. Bribery and nepotism among citizens may also prevent women from getting jobs. The trend of exchanging sex for grades or sex for jobs is also one that will serve as a barrier to women’s emancipation. Clearly, women are disproportionately affected by these corrupt practices, as it reinforces their subjugation in society.
The theme of the International Anti-Corruption Day 2021 is “Your right, your role: Say no to corruption”. This theme reflects two realities: firstly, that a developed and gender-equal society which results from anti-corruption is the right of citizens; and secondly, that fighting corruption is the role of active citizens. In line with this year’s theme, we call on all Nigerians to say NO to corruption in their personal lives, report corruption to the appropriate authorities, and encourage anti-corruption discourse among their peers. These steps will go a long way in reducing the drastic rate of corruption in the country, and in turn promoting gender equality and development.
To find out what FYCI is doing to encourage youth to fight corruption, click here.
