Reps youth anti-corruption efforts gain momentum as the committee pledges stronger laws to empower young Nigerians at an Abuja event

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Moshood Akiolu, on Wednesday reaffirmed the commitment of the committee to advance legislative actions that strengthen the ability of Nigerian youths to contribute to national development.

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Akiolu spoke in Abuja during an event marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day.

Akiolu said the 10th House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, was deepening efforts to enhance transparency, reinforce legal frameworks and expand civic education programmes that equip young people to identify, resist and report corrupt practices.

He warned that corruption remained a persistent obstacle to the growth of a genuine democratic culture in the country.

Also addressing participants, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, described corruption as one of the most damaging threats to development and fairness.

Represented by Assistant Director Sulieman Achile, Aliyu said corruption weakens institutions, diverts public resources and limits opportunities for young Nigerians.

Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mainasara Kogo, urged young Nigerians to continue building practical and technological skills, stressing that academic qualifications alone were no longer sufficient in a fast-changing global economy.

He said closing the skills gap would prepare young people for leadership beyond national borders.

Nigeria’s youth population, one of the largest globally, continues to face high unemployment, limited technical training and low representation in governance.

Many government empowerment programmes have failed to achieve meaningful results, largely due to systemic corruption that diverts funds intended for education, skills development and social projects.

The discussions at the International Anti-Corruption Day event reflected growing public pressure for reforms that deliver tangible outcomes for young Nigerians.

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The renewed assurances from the House Committee on Anti-Corruption come at a time when calls for stronger accountability mechanisms continue to intensify.