Civil Society Groups Launch Anti-Corruption Platform

Pat Stephen/

To prevent recovered public funds from being re-looted,  some Civil Society Groups have launched a watchdog platform called Voices Against Corruption (VAC).

Launched during a one-day workshop in Lagos, VAC is a social media platform where members of the public can report cases of corruption.

CLEEN Foundation formerly known as  Centre for Law Enforcement and Education in Nigeria  in  collaboration with Trust Africa says VAC will compliment government’s efforts in  the fight against corruption in Nigeria
Blessing Abiri, the Programme Coordinator CLEEN Foundation said,  “VAC gives opportunity to the public to play a role in public accountability for appropriate action to be taken to curb corruption.The platform provides a unique opportunity for members of the public to report cases to relevant government security agencies .
Chinedu Nwagu of Trust Africa said the platform “Aims at strengthening public accountability and transparency through citizens oversight and advocating for appropriate sanctions for public and private officials that are found guilty.

“The platform is an interagency platform which involves Incident Tracking Room (ITR) at NPF, EFCC, ICPC and CLEEN Foundation Resource Centre will monitor incoming reports. There will also be a steering committee that resolves complaints against private and public figures. The platform has a feedback column where resolved complaints are published quarterly.”

Also at the event, Mr. Sina Odugbemi of HEDA, spoke about the cost of corruption.

He lamented that recovered funds are sadly being re-stolen, asking the public to ask government to account for use of recovered loot.
He said, “The cost of corruption is enormous and makes the future blink. Through our investigation, we found out that the $505million recovered Abacha loot meant for some projects under former President Olusegun Obasanjo were not used for projects they are meant for. Some of the projects are not in existence or they short- change government.”
Damien Ilevboaje of Budgit in his presentation at the event spoke on ” How to Track State and Local Government Budget Expenditure Through Public Active Participation in Government.”