In line with its core objectives of advocating for integrity, justice probity and transparency in public and private organizations, Network Against Corruption and Trafficking on Friday, shook up the foundations of the Asokoro area of the Federal Capital Territory when it staged human sign posts campaign against the vices of corruption and trafficking.
Led by its Executive Director of Investigation, Fejiro Oliver, and its Legal Director, Barrister Ovie Justice, NACAT is a pro-democracy Civil Society Organization duly registered under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap C20, Laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004 to, amongst other things, work with stakeholders for purposes of contributing to the global war against corruption, financial crimes, terrorism and economic sabotage. The group promotes good governance, transparency, rule of law, and sustenance of the security and wellbeing of Nigerians in the project of nation-building.
With various placards that read “Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Drugs,” “Spot the sign, break the chain,” “Say no to corruption” “Your Potential is Limitless Without Drugs,” “Love Yourself: Break Free from Substance Abuse,” “Say no to drug and human trafficking,” among others, the group stood at different strategic areas of AYA at Asokoro to sensitize the masses.
Despite the heavy presence of security personnel especially the Department of State Services and the Nigeria police force in the area, the group was resolute in carrying out its goal of sensitizing the masses against the vices, having duly notified the police of the exercise.
According to the group, the exercise was in continuation of its ongoing efforts in the fight against corruption and the twin brothers of drug and human trafficking to a standstill.
Speaking to newsmen during the exercise, NACAT operational Manager, Stanley Ugagbe, stated that the initiative is a unique move by the group to further ‘conscientise’ Nigerians about the gross implications of the vices of corruption and trafficking.
While noting that “the prevalence of twin vices of corruption and trafficking in Nigeria is the reason why the country is still classified as a developing country despite gaining independence over 60 years ago,” Stanley said the fight against the vices must be a collective effort among well-meaning Nigerians to reduce the vices to the barest minimum.
Hinging his points on multiple reports, the manager averred that corruption is arguably the major vice rocking the nation. “On Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria scored 24 on a scale from 0 (“highly corrupt”) to 100 (“very clean”). When ranked by score, Nigeria ranked 150th among the 180 countries in the Index, where the country ranked last is perceived to have the most corrupt public sector. For comparison, the best score was 90 (ranked 1), the worst score was 12 (ranked 180), and the average score was 43,” he said.
Stanley expressed worry that “Nigeria remains a source, transit and destination country when it comes to human trafficking. In the 2018 Global Slavery Index (2018) Report, Nigeria ranked 32/167 of the countries with the highest number of slaves – 1,386,000. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) statistics from 2019- 2022, 61% of human trafficking in Nigeria happens internally, while 39% is generated from cross-border trafficking. It is the third most common crime in Nigeria after drug trafficking and economic fraud (UNESCO, 2006)”.
Bemoaning the growing menace of trafficking over factors that can be controlled, he expressed sadness that the general factors that increase vulnerability to trafficking in Nigeria include extreme poverty (33% -70 million people) live in extreme poverty), lack of economic opportunities, corruption, conflict/insecurity, climate change/resulting migration and western consumerism”.
In his words, any nation, society, or group where these vices are allowed to thrive unabatedly is usually a home to all manner of anomalies. “That is why as an organization that is committed to nation building, we believe that if these vices can be curbed or reduced to the barest minimum, Nigeria can become a world giant,” Stanley said.
He continued that they will not leave any stone unturned in the fight against these vices. “For us, nobody is above the law. Irrespective of your status or sponsors, we will do everything within the purview of the law to bring perpetuators to book,” he said.
“As a group that does not have any political affiliation, we have a clear conscience to advocate for integrity, justice, probity, and transparency in public and private organizations,” he maintained.
He concluded that “We will keep working with relevant stakeholders and organizations for purposes of supporting the fight against corruption, drug, and human trafficking. In our capacity, we will continue to provide humanitarian services to less privileged persons in society. Also, our commitment to advancing human rights and render legal assistance to women, children and persons who are victims of sexual exploitation, drug and human trafficking will always be our priority”.
On his part, the Director of Legal, Ovie Justice said the organization works within the ambit of the law to pursue its goals and objectives, stressing that NACAT will always explore all options within the purview of the law to nip corruption and trafficking in the mud.
“For us, the goal is very clear and we are unmoved about peoples’ status or political affiliations. We are doing this as our contribution to nation building. It is a fight to finish,” he added.
