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The Muslim Lecturers Association (MLA) has called for a comprehensive policy overhaul to tackle endemic corruption in Nigeria.
This followed a Democracy Day policy dialogue held virtually on June 12, 2025 (via YouTube and Zoom), under the theme “We Are All Corrupt? Unmasking Corrupt Practices Through Sociological, Psychological, Religious, Political and Linguistic Lenses for Reimagining National Development.”
The event convened by MLA’s Committee on National Issues, Development, and Advocacy (C-NIDA) which drew participants from across and outside the country, including journalists, legal practitioners, education experts, civic advocates, and religious leaders. In his opening remarks, Dr. Lukman Raimi, chairman of C-NIDA, said: “We must move from a culture of blame and resignation to a culture of renewal and transformation.”
Key Observations from the Discourse
The policy dialogue made seven key observations, noting first and foremost that corrupt practices permeate all sectors of society, from financial theft to abuse of office and unfair privilege. It recognized the normalisation of corruption through culture and language, with expressions like “do your own when it’s your turn” and “mago mago” reflecting a dangerous moral climate.
Furthermore, the panel dismissed the view that frequently peddled in political and social circles that “We Are All Corrupt” as a convenient form of moral leveling that undermines genuine reform and accountability. Religious institutions were called to account for sometimes compromising their messages for political and financial gains, while political structures, a legacy of colonial administration were identified as breeding grounds for impunity.
The damage to global perception and opportunities for diaspora Nigerians was a key consideration, alongside the role of the home and family in shaping future attitudes toward honesty. Despite these deep-rooted issues, the dialogue recognized numerous cases where individuals and communities’ upheld integrity from the return of large sums of money to the resistance against bribery and insisted these cases should be amplified.
Policy Recommendations to Combat Corrupt Practices
To dismantle the ecosystem of corruption and foster a culture of integrity, the Discourse put forward seven policy prescriptions:
➥ Initiate a National Ethics and Integrity Reorientation:
The National Orientation Agency, Ministry of Information, Faith-Based Organisations, and Religious Institutions should launch a non-partisan civic education campaign. The proposal includes a “Family Hour” radio and TV broadcast and a biannual national moral aptitude survey to track progress.
➥ Religious Institutions Accountability:
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and related bodies should reform their education, create Ethics Oversight Boards, and publish annual Public Integrity Ratings.
➥ Educational Reforms:
The Ministry of Education, NUC, UBEC, ASUU, and the private sector should introduce civic education and a School-to-Community Integrity Partnership to instil ethical values in children and youth.
➥ Strengthening Accountability Framework:
The Civil Service Commission, EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau should publish annual asset declarations and a biannual “Public Integrity Dashboard.”
➥ Transparency in Admissions, Procurement, and Promotions:
The Ministry of Education, Police Service Commission, NUC, and TETFund should implement blind admissions and digital procurement platforms to cut back on human interference and fraud.
➥ Political Reforms:
The National Assembly, INEC, civil society organizations, community leaders, and the private sector should outlaw political nepotism and zoning and implement financial transparency in political campaigns. Furthermore, shadow mechanisms should be instituted to aid oversight and detection of electoral fraud.
➥ Technology for Accountability:
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, technology hubs, and ICPC should implement the Technology for Transparency (T4T) Initiative, allowing ordinary citizens to report fraud and track freedom of information requests in real time.
Conclusion
The Discourse made it clear that “Not all of us are dishonest.” There are people and institutions within Nigerian society who resist temptation and compromise their conscience in the face of pressure.
The movement for renewal starts in homes, churches, mosques, businesses, parliaments, and classrooms and it must be driven by ordinary citizens who resolve to be advocates for change.
Dr. Lukman Raimi, chairman of C-NIDA, summed it up: “Let this be a movement —a renewal — that starts from the grassroots and permeates all sectors of our society.”
