Business Convenes to Address Corruption in Nigeria

(Lagos, 22 March 2013) — The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in collaboration with the Global Compact Local Network Nigeria and the UN Global Compact convened a two-day workshop on “Ethics, Compliance Practices & Anti-Corruption Collective Action” in Nigeria. Organized through the Siemens Integrity Initiative Collective Action Project (SII CAP), the workshop is part of a larger effort to establish ongoing dialogue and collective action between the public and private sectors in Nigeria, and to develop a broad coalition of stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

Nearly 90 representatives from the business community, Governments, civil society and the UN participated, including executives from Stanbic IBTC, Nestle and MTN Nigeria who shared proactive steps taken by their organizations to promote ethical values in business.

In his welcome remarks, Frank Nweke II, Director of the NESG, stressed the workshop as an opportunity to make recommendations to the Government related to corruption. He also urged participants to share their experiences in order to ensure meaningful dialogue on the issue, and highlighted the Local Network Nigeria as a mechanism for engagement. 

Olajobi Makinwa, Head of Transparency and Anti-Corruption Initiatives for the UN Global Compact reaffirmed Global Compact’s continued commitment to work with the NESG and the Nigerian Local Network to enhance the capacity of company secretaries to fight corruption. “Compliance and ethics are fundamental components in influencing corporate actions in the quest for positive and meaningful change,” said Ms. Makinwa. In addition, she called on NGOs, civil society organizations and the private sector to scale up efforts by urging governments to promote anti-corruption measures and related policies that establish good governance practices. 

Keith Darcy, Executive Director of the Ethics and Compliance Officers Association in the USA, emphasized the benefits of a strong corporate culture in fighting corruption and provided insight into ensuring transparency and integrity through anti-corruption programmes. He encouraged participants to move beyond “business as usual”, noting that “Nigeria is now at a defining moment, where there is a chance to initiate the conversation with all relevant actors, and work collectively towards meaningful change”.

The second day of the workshop provided companies with guidance on submitting a Communication on Progress (COP), and closed with a meeting of the Global Compact Local Network Nigeria .

• Review further information about the Global Compact’s activities on anti-corruption and collective action.
• Learn more about Global Compact Local Networks.

Contact

Olajobi Makinwa
Head, Transparency & Anti-Corruption Initiatives
UN Global Compact
makinwa@un.org