Fesochukwu Jason
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with backing from the Solidarity Center, has renewed calls for comprehensive reforms to tackle illicit financial flows (IFFs) and dismantle entrenched corruption systems in Nigeria.
The call was made in Abuja during a two-day validation workshop aimed at strengthening collaboration between trade unions, civil society organisations, and the media in combating financial crimes and governance failures.
Speaking at the event, NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, said the fight against corruption requires stronger alliances and actionable strategies, stressing that the scale of financial leakages has become systemic.
Represented by Assistant Secretary-General Onyeka Chris, Ugboaja described the situation as a form of state capture, where public resources are routinely diverted for private gain.
He warned that illicit financial flows continue to deprive Nigerians of essential services, noting that funds lost to corruption could have been used for critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and job creation.
According to him, procurement fraud, capital flight, and weak regulatory systems remain major drivers of financial leakages, with some public contracts allegedly inflated by as much as 300 percent.
Ugboaja also criticised weak institutions and selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws, arguing that politically exposed persons often evade justice while minor offenders face prosecution.
He maintained that existing anti-corruption frameworks have failed due to lack of independence, insisting that reforms must go beyond government structures to include active participation from labour unions and civil society groups.
Key demands from the workshop include improved transparency in beneficial ownership, stronger whistleblower protection laws, judicial reforms, and accountability in the management of recovered assets.
Also speaking, Margie Peters highlighted the broader impact of illicit financial flows, noting that they weaken public trust and threaten democratic governance.
Similarly, NLC’s Tax Justice Focal Person, James Eustace, emphasised the need for transparency in tax systems and stronger enforcement mechanisms to curb financial crimes.
Participants at the workshop agreed that government-led efforts alone are insufficient, calling for urgent, coordinated reforms to strengthen institutions, protect whistleblowers, and ensure accountability in public finance management.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.