The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, better known as CISLAC, issued a commendation on Tuesday, praising the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, widely referred to as ICPC, for its ongoing investigation into the alleged fraud concerning a N90 billion subsidy linked to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, commonly abbreviated as NAHCON. This investigation represents a critical step towards accountability regarding a significant matter that affects many pilgrims and the integrity of public funds.
The commendation was made public through a statement that was officially signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Awual Rafsanjani. In this statement, he alleged that there was widespread looting associated with the recent Hajj exercise, which raises severe concerns about the management of funds intended for such an important religious endeavor.
Rafsanjani described the scale of the alleged fraud as truly alarming, particularly noting the context of the fraud being associated with a religious event that holds high significance for the millions of pilgrims involved. He underscored the spiritual connection this event has for those participating, emphasizing that any misappropriation of funds intended to support the Hajj undermines the very essence of the pilgrimage.
According to Rafsanjani, reports have surfaced that despite the substantial payments made and the allocation of federal government subsidies meant to assist pilgrims, many of those who undertook the Hajj faced substandard treatment. This situation has raised serious questions regarding how effectively NAHCON is managing the funds entrusted to it for the benefit of the pilgrims, as well as highlighting issues surrounding transparency and accountability.
CISLAC’s concerns are further intensified when viewed in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing battle with corruption. The organization lamented the fact that Nigeria currently ranks a disheartening 150 out of 180 countries on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, which was recently released by Transparency International, commonly known as TI. This CPI score reflects the perceived levels of corruption in the public sector and underscores the urgent necessity for reforms across all levels of governance and public service.
Rafsanjani, who also serves as the head of Transparency International Nigeria, noted that the persistent issues of fraud and institutional failures are significant contributors to the deepening cycle of poverty plaguing the country. He emphasized that this rampant corruption is not just an economic issue but a humanitarian crisis, affecting the lives of countless individuals throughout Nigeria.
He also highlighted alarming statistics, revealing that over 133 million Nigerians are currently living in multidimensional poverty, according to recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, abbreviated as NBS. The diversion of public funds that are meant for the welfare of citizens only serves to exacerbate the severe socio-economic challenges facing the nation, placing Nigeria in a precarious position.
In his statements, Rafsanjani stated: “We commend the ICPC’s efforts to expose this monumental fraud and urge them to ensure that corruption is rooted out of our public institutions.” He passionately argued that the pervasive level of fraud, coupled with a complete disregard for institutional integrity, has plunged millions of Nigerians into dire situations of poverty, while a select few individuals accumulate immense wealth at the expense of the general populace.
Moreover, he emphatically condemned the actions of corrupt public officials, characterizing Nigeria’s current state of multidimensional rot as a direct result of their “wickedness,” which reflects poorly on the country’s governance and public trust.
Related news has revealed that bribery is reportedly more prevalent in rural areas than in urban centers, as per statements from the ICPC Chair, and calls from civil society organizations urge the EFCC and ICPC to investigate Nigeria’s crude oil production for potential corruption. Several discussions have arisen around why corruption appears to persist so robustly within the country, emphasizing a need for systemic change.
Consequently, Rafsanjani called for a concerted effort among all stakeholders to restore trust, integrity, and to salvage the dignity of the nation’s public institutions. He expressed a sense of hope, stating that with the ICPC conducting its investigation, there remains optimism that CISLAC and other civil society organizations hold firm belief that this case may signify a pivotal turning point in the ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria. They aspire for it to ensure accountability and bring justice to the millions of citizens who have suffered the negative consequences of corrupt practices, ultimately contributing towards a more transparent and equitable society.
