Corruption blamed for Nigeria's economic woes

A top government official in Nigeria has attributed current political, social and economic problems in the country to corruption.

Abubakar Malami, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, who made the assertion in northern city of Kaduna on Monday, said corruption remained Nigeria's biggest impediment to attaining sustainable development.

The minister told his audience the government is committed to driving out the culture of corruption in the country by making governance more open, accountable and responsive to citizens.

He said the government would strengthen anti-corruption institutions and the capacity of Nigerians to expose corrupt practices in all spheres of life.

Malami added that the government would implement programs aimed at exposing and punishing corrupt public officials and providing support to victims of corruption.

Nigeria joined the open governance partnership in July 2016 as part of its commitment to deepen institutional and policy reforms for good governance, according to the minister.

He said the partnership was a multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving transparency, accountability, citizens participation, and responsiveness to citizens through technology and innovation.

The minister said his ministry would drive the initiative through reforms of programs on transparency and accountability.

In 2013, Transparency International deemed Nigeria one of the most corrupt nations in the world. The country ranked 144th in Corruption Perception Index out of the 177 countries measured. Endit