The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has affirmed that corruption is not only a legal or governance failure but a direct assault on human dignity.
Fagbemi made the assertion in Abuja at a seminar organized by the Inter-Agency Task Team of Anti-Corruption Agencies to commemorate African Anti-Corruption Day 2025, where he was a key speaker for the event. He described corruption as gross violations of human rights.
“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,” he said.
Represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Minister stated that misappropriation of education budgets robs future generations of opportunity. At the same time, 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.
He further urged that whistleblowers and journalists should be protected. He emphasised their crucial role in exposing corruption and promoting accountability.
He highlighted that the fight against corruption “is about defending the inherent value of our society, of our humanity, regardless of our socioeconomic standard. Our commitment to combating corruption, therefore, must go hand in hand with steadfast dedication to the rule of law, due process, and 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.”
“While our commitment to fighting corruption is unshakeable, we must be compliant with our commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and the principles of due process that guide and guard our activities within the public space. It is important, also, that law enforcement actions do not trample on civil liberties. Investigations must be fair, and prosecutions remain impartial and objective, and ensure we follow lawful procedures as provided by the Constitution and various other laws,” he added.
The Head, Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-corruption Reforms (TUGAR), Mrs. Jane Onwumerre, who also spoke at the event, noted that the 2025 theme, “Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption,” is vital and timely.
“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 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. One that strips us of our Human dignity, a foundational Human Right that demands that every person has intrinsic worth and deserves to be valued and respected.”
The Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, also spoke at the event. He said corruption was not just financial misconduct but a direct attack on human dignity that deprives people of access to healthcare, education, 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 said.
