President Bola Tinubu recently declared his administration’s intent to wage a relentless war against corruption in Nigeria, vowing that “there will be no safe haven” for looters of public wealth. Speaking at a national summit hosted by the Ministry of Justice in Abuja on May 28, Tinubu pledged not only to recover Nigeria’s stolen assets but to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and enforce accountability across all levels of government.

However, Nigerians have heard such promises before. The public’s growing skepticism stems from decades of failed efforts to hold corrupt elites accountable, even as the country’s resources have been plundered with near impunity. Now, the spotlight is on Tinubu to demonstrate that his government will be different—not just in words, but in measurable and nonpartisan action.

Nigerians Demand More Than Empty Promises

Although Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, sparked public backlash, a genuine clampdown on corruption could earn him widespread support. Yet, for this to happen, his administration must go beyond mere asset recovery and ensure the full prosecution of looters, regardless of political affiliations or social status.

The key question is: how far is Tinubu willing to go? Will his anti-graft campaign serve as a smokescreen to target political opponents, or will it uphold the principle of justice for all, “no matter whose ox is gored,” as he promised?

Deep-Rooted Corruption and a Legacy of Impunity

Corruption in Nigeria is not a new phenomenon. It has been deeply embedded in the nation’s political fabric for decades, with successive governments either complicit in or too weak to challenge the rot. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria consistently ranks among the world’s most corrupt nations.

From the return of democratic rule in 1999 to date, corruption has remained rampant. Several Nigerian leaders and high-ranking officials have amassed vast fortunes with no legitimate source of income beyond public office.

Former Bayelsa State governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, is a glaring example. British police arrested him in 2005, and he forfeited £3.2 million in cash and £10 million worth of London properties. The US government seized an additional $17.7 million in his assets. Although convicted in 2007 for embezzling state funds, he was later granted a presidential pardon.

Similarly, James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State, was imprisoned in the UK in 2012 after pleading guilty to laundering $250 million. Back home, his political stature remained largely intact, and he continues to command influence in Nigerian politics.

Civilian Leaders Surpassing Military Corruption

Ironically, many of Nigeria’s elected civilian leaders have rivalled or surpassed their military predecessors in corrupt practices. One former general became infamous for “legalizing” corruption during his tenure, while the widow of another openly flaunted her family’s wealth, presumed to have been illicitly acquired.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration also failed to effectively stem the tide. When then-Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido (now Emir of Kano) raised alarm over $20 billion allegedly unremitted by the NNPC, he was swiftly removed from office. Additionally, Jonathan’s National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, was implicated in the misappropriation of $2.1 billion meant for arms procurement to combat Boko Haram.

Buhari’s Inconsistent Anti-Corruption Crusade

President Muhammadu Buhari was elected on the strength of his perceived integrity and anti-corruption stance. However, his tenure also fell short of expectations. He controversially pardoned convicted ex-governors Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, who had looted a combined N2.76 billion. Buhari’s justification? One of the men had “repented.” That move left many Nigerians disillusioned, seeing it as a betrayal of the very values he once claimed to uphold.

Furthermore, under Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) often failed to act decisively, especially when cases involved politically connected individuals.

The Scale of Looting is Staggering

Today, at least 13 former governors and multiple ex-ministers are under EFCC investigation for allegedly looting a staggering N853.8 billion. The case of Beta Edu, the suspended Humanitarian Affairs Minister, underscores the sluggish pace of justice. Despite being removed from office in 2023 following accusations of misappropriating N81.6 billion, Edu has yet to be prosecuted.

The rot extends beyond top politicians. Corruption also permeates Nigeria’s public institutions. As early as 2003, the police ranked as the most corrupt institution in the country, with the national and state assemblies close behind. Even the electricity sector, once overseen by NEPA, made the list for systemic graft.

Anti-Graft Institutions Must Be Empowered

For Tinubu to convince Nigerians of his sincerity, he must start by overhauling and empowering the EFCC, ICPC, and other oversight bodies. These agencies require not only adequate funding but complete autonomy from political influence. Anti-corruption efforts must include whistleblower protection, transparent judicial processes, and the enforcement of asset declarations by public officeholders.

Additionally, recovered assets must be transparently accounted for. In the past, there have been controversies over how such funds were managed. Without proper tracking, the recovered billions could end up being re-looted.

Rhetoric Must Now Yield to Results

Tinubu’s recent speech reflects the right tone, but speeches alone cannot cleanse a nation so deeply scarred by corruption. Nigerians are no longer swayed by high-sounding rhetoric. They demand evidence of convictions, high-profile prosecutions, and a justice system that serves all, not just the poor or politically unconnected.

The President must act decisively, starting with pending high-profile corruption cases. He should instruct the Attorney-General and the EFCC to prioritize prosecutions and avoid the delays that often cause such cases to lose steam.

Furthermore, he must refrain from offering political pardons to convicted looters. Such actions undermine public confidence and perpetuate a culture of impunity.

Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now

Bola Tinubu stands at a historic crossroads. He has the opportunity to redefine his legacy by breaking the cycle of political corruption that has plagued Nigeria for decades. But that legacy will not be shaped by promises; it will be measured by results.

The question is not whether Nigeria can defeat corruption—it is whether its leaders are truly willing to pay the political price to do so. If Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance is to mean anything, he must ensure that justice is not selective and that stolen wealth is not only recovered but also accounted for—and that the looters, no matter how powerful, are held fully to account.

Only then can Nigerians begin to believe again.