Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has attributed Nigeria’s poor education and healthcare delivery to corruption. Abbas made this statement on Monday in Abuja, during the International Anti-Corruption Day celebration held at the National Assembly Complex.
Abbas, represented by the House Deputy Chief Whip, George Ozodinobi, emphasized that corruption poses a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s progress if left unchecked. He noted that corruption undermines Nigeria’s development by draining resources that could be used for infrastructure, job creation, education, and healthcare.
The Speaker urged lawmakers to utilize their roles in lawmaking, oversight, and representation to combat corruption and protect the interests of the Nigerian people. He highlighted the importance of parliaments in the fight against corruption, citing the National Assembly’s efforts in passing critical laws aimed at institutional reform and accountability.
Abbas also acknowledged the National Assembly’s progress in addressing corruption, including the passage of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Act, the Proceeds of Crime Act, and the amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. These reforms aim to strengthen transparency in corporate governance and curb corruption in the private sector.
