Rethinking Civil Society Participation in the Implementation of the UN Convention Against Corruption in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines the participation of civil society in the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Nigeria. Data is generated through an objective assessment of the UNCAC and literature on civil society involvement in anti-corruption struggles. The paper argues that ccorruption is found in all spheres of our national life with a wide range of corrosive effects on the nation, its people and processes.  It undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to violations of human rights, distorts markets, erodes the quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human security to flourish. The cost of corruption is huge as it also involves human trafficking, child mortality, poor educational standard, environmental destruction and sabotage. Concerned about the magnitude of problems posed by corruption to the stability and security of nations, the United Nations through the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) provided a legal framework that offers guidance to countries in the fight against corruption. Although the UNCAC under Article 13 makes provision for the active participation of the civil society in monitoring how it is implemented, little effort is made by Nigeria and the civil society sector in strengthening its implementation. To strengthen the effective implementation of the UNCAC, Nigeria must uphold the Transparency Pledge, and take appropriate measures to promote the active participation of civil society in the crusade against corruption

Keywords: Convention, Civil Society, Corruption, Nigeria, Participation, UN.