UNGA 77: Buhari Urges African Leaders To Fight Corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked African leaders to fight tirelessly to end corruption.

Buhari stated that Africa has remained at the far end of the global development index due to the menace of corruption.

The President made this assertion in New York at the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly in his capacity as the African Union Champion on efforts to eliminate corruption in the continent at a High-Level side event on ”Food Security Response: Combating Illicit Financial Flows and Securing Asset Returns for Sustainable Development."

Buhari, who provided his perspectives on the effects of corruption in the continent and the way forward at the event co-hosted by the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said he was honoured to serve as AU Champion on anti-corruption since 2018.

”Over the years, we came to the painful realisation on how deeply embedded corruption has become in our countries and continent, as well as how corrosive it can be.

"Corruption has dwarfed our growth and tainted our nations and continent. 

"Africa remains at the far end of the development index and concerted efforts made in the last few years need to be sustained, and deepened by good governance and accountability that are guided by the rule of law.

"I have strong faith that Africa and our national governments can do this with strong resolve and commitment to eliminating Illicit Financial Flows.

"We need strong partnerships from our global partners to ensure that these efforts succeed.

"A developed and stable Africa will not only be a global partner for peace butfor sustainable development and progress.”

President Buhari, therefore, challenged his colleagues that for the continent to rise to its full potential.

"Our national resources must not find safe havens around the world. 

"This fight is a necessity and not a choice to give our citizens a better life through economic prosperity, social peace and security,” he added.