The Federal Government on Tuesday said Nigeria’s long-standing battle against corruption can only be won by empowering the country’s youth population with skills, education, and opportunities that make them resilient against corrupt influences.
It also acknowledged that the fight against corruption is long and complex, requiring steadfast commitment from all stakeholders.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, made the declaration in Abuja at the 2025 commemoration of the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day.
The event was organised by the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms in collaboration with the European Union, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption program, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the MacArthur Foundation and the Centre for Democracy and Development.
Speaking on the theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” Fagbemi said young Nigerians remain the “central force” in the national anti-graft crusade and must be equipped to lead a cultural shift toward transparency.
“A hopeful youth is harder to corrupt; an engaged youth is harder to mislead; and an empowered youth is a powerful force for national transformation,” he said.
He added that while the fight against corruption is “long and complex”, it remains a battle the country must pursue “for ourselves and generations to come.”
He noted, “This occasion underscores the global urgency for the fight against corruption and also highlights the pivotal role our vibrant youth must play in shaping a more transparent and accountable society.
“Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this day challenges us to confront the far-reaching consequences of corruption, assess the patterns that sustain it, and renew our collective commitment to building systems rooted in integrity and justice.
“In our collective fight against corruption, we must harness and motivate the energy, passion and determination of the nation’s young people to build the future we desire.
“As we reflect on our collective fight against corruption, it is important to highlight the central role of young Nigerians. They are the carriers of our nation’s aspirations, the custodians of our democratic future, and the most critical partners in building a corruption-free society.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, recognises that empowering the youth is one of the strongest antidotes to corruption. A hopeful youth is harder to corrupt; an engaged youth is harder to mislead; and an empowered youth is a powerful force for national transformation.”
Fagbemi outlined several programmes he said are deliberately structured to reduce young people’s vulnerability to corruption.
“These investments are not just social programmes. They are strategic pillars for building integrity, reducing desperation, and empowering young Nigerians to pursue legitimate opportunities,” the AGF said.
He added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has also included an “unprecedented number” of young Nigerians in governance structures, ensuring youth voices are “central, not peripheral” to national policymaking.
Fagbemi also highlighted Nigeria’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list as a major sign of renewed institutional discipline, noting that regulatory and financial bodies had “sustained vigilance” to strengthen financial integrity.
He urged public institutions, civil society, and the private sector to deepen collaboration, adding that a cohesive national effort was critical to sustaining progress.
