Global NGO Blames Bad Governance in Nigeria on Lack of Moral, Ethical Standards 

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja

The Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Odeh Friday, has blamed bad governance in Nigeria on lack of moral and ethical standards.

He made the disclosure in his speech titled, “Reinforcing Ethical Governance in Nigeria: Integrating Policies for an Enhanced Framework.”

The Country Director stated that lack of moral and ethical standards were factors that encourage abuse of office and power by some politicians in Nigeria.

He said: “Nigeria’s governance is marred by a crisis that undermines ethical values, positive behaviours. and societal norms essential for effective functioning.

“Many politicians and public officials in Nigeria lack ethical and moral standards, engaging in practices such as abuse of office, nepotism, conflicts of interest, and misuse of government information.”

He stressed that enforcing ethical standards in government was vital for preventing waste and abuse and prioritising public interest over private interest.

“However, fragmented policies and disjointed implementation often undermine efforts, such as the need for more general knowledge of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy and the poor adherence of public servants to the code of conduct.

“This gap leads to inefficiencies in addressing ethical governance, including when high-ranking government officials are above these policies.

“While the Code of Conduct for Public Servants outlines ethical standards, the National Ethics and Integrity Policy focuses on values, causing enforcement challenges.

“Synchronising these policies and collaborating among government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the private sector in implementing ethical practices are not only opportunities but moral imperatives.

“This is a chance to reshape Nigeria’s narrative, fostering integrity, accountability, and responsible governance to benefit citizens and the nation’s global image,” he stressed

 According to him, “this policy brief presents a strategic perspective on strengthening ethics and integrity in Nigeria by harmonising the Nigerian Code of Conduct for Public Servants and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy.

“These policies play crucial roles in shaping the conduct of both public officials and citizens, he said, adding that by leveraging the strengths of both policies, Nigeria can create an environment that promotes accountability, integrity, and responsible leadership.”