The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has asserted that corruption is not merely a failure of law or governance but a direct assault on human dignity.
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Fagbemi made this remark in Abuja at a seminar organized by the Inter-Agency Task Team of Anti-Corruption Agencies to commemorate African Anti-Corruption Day 2025. He described acts of corruption as gross violations of human rights.
According to him, “When public funds meant for hospitals are diverted, it is not just a policy failure — it is a denial of the right to life and health.”
Represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Minister emphasized that the misappropriation of education budgets robs future generations of opportunity, while corruption in the justice system undermines the principle of equality before the law.
“This is why the fight against corruption is not just a political imperative, but a moral obligation,” he stated.
Fagbemi also called for the protection of whistleblowers and journalists, stressing their crucial role in exposing corruption and promoting accountability.
He pointed out that the fight against corruption “is about defending the inherent value of our society—of our humanity—regardless of our socioeconomic status. Our commitment to combating corruption, therefore, must go hand in hand with a steadfast dedication to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of civil liberties. Distinguished participants, as we build resilient institutions, we must also build a culture of dignity where every Nigerian is treated fairly, and every public institution sees service as a moral duty.”
He reiterated the need to protect whistleblowers and investigative journalists, noting that they play vital roles in upholding truth and integrity.
“While our commitment to fighting corruption is unshakeable, we must remain compliant with our commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and the principles of due process that guide and guard our actions in the public space. It is also important that law enforcement actions do not trample on civil liberties. Investigations must be fair, prosecutions impartial and objective, and all procedures must comply with the Constitution and other applicable laws.”
Earlier, the Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), Mrs. Jane Onwumerre, observed that the 2025 theme, “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption,” is both timely and critical.
“We are reminded that corruption is not just a financial or legal issue, but a violation of the fundamental rights of our people. When resources meant for socioeconomic development are diverted, it undermines trust in institutions, hinders economic growth, and disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable.
“Corruption is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. It strips us of our human dignity—a foundational human right that demands every person be valued and respected.”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, emphasized that corruption is not just financial misconduct but a direct attack on human dignity, depriving people of access to education, healthcare, clean water, and justice.
“It fuels poverty, undermines democracy, and erodes trust in public institutions. At NEITI, we confront corruption through facts, disclosures, civic engagement, and institutional partnerships,” he added.
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