National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has stressed the need for Nigeria to develop a system that makes corruption impossible.
During the 9th Oba Sikiru Adetona Annual Professorial Lecture at Olabisi Onabanjo University on Saturday, Ribadu emphasised that fighting corruption requires both strong institutions and a shift in societal attitudes.
“We must fight corruption not by responding, but by building a strong system that prevents corruption itself,” Ribadu stated, urging the need for proactive measures rather than simply prosecuting offenders.
Ribadu pointed out that corruption has undermined Nigeria’s institutions, diverted essential resources, and weakened the state’s ability to address national security challenges.
He added, “We cannot talk about the insecurity in Nigeria without acknowledging that corruption has played a role in eroding public trust, compromising law enforcement effectiveness, and enabling impunity.”
He highlighted how the mismanagement of funds for military equipment has impacted the country’s capacity to tackle security threats effectively.
“We must build a system that will make it impossible for the people to be corrupt even if they want to be,” Ribadu continued, stressing the importance of systemic change over reactive measures.
While acknowledging the scale of Nigeria’s security and corruption challenges, Ribadu expressed optimism, stating that these issues are not beyond resolution.
He called for collective action, where both the government and citizens play a role in tackling corruption. “People must resolve to fight corruption, it cannot only be the government, the people must join in the fight too,” he emphasized.
