Omanghana
Former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun has called for stronger institutional frameworks to effectively combat corruption in Nigeria, stressing the need to overcome entrenched resistance within public systems.
Speaking at the Citadel School of Government Dialogue Series in Lagos, Adeosun noted that while corruption is a global issue, Nigeria’s situation requires deliberate efforts to build robust institutions capable of shaping behavior and eliminating systemic abuse.
She highlighted the importance of giving reform initiatives statutory backing, describing her inability to enshrine the Whistleblower Policy into law as her “biggest regret” during her time in office. According to her, policies without legal protection remain vulnerable to reversal by future administrations, often subject to what she termed “executive whim.”
Adeosun also pointed to “institutional inertia” as a major barrier to reform, explaining that deeply rooted resistance within government structures can slow or derail progress. She urged reform-minded leaders to adopt strategic and inclusive approaches to navigate these challenges while maintaining empathy and stakeholder engagement.
Reflecting on her tenure, she emphasized the role of data-driven governance in tackling corruption. She cited the use of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) system, which helped uncover widespread inefficiencies, including the identification of 45,000 “ghost workers” linked to duplicate records.
Her keynote address, titled “The Rough Road to Reforms: The Risks, the Resistance, the Reprisals and the Resilient Leader,” outlined the realities faced by policymakers working to implement change in difficult environments, offering insights into leadership resilience amid opposition.
The event, founded by Tunde Bakare, also featured commendation for Adeosun’s integrity and perseverance, particularly following her legal vindication over past certificate-related allegations.
Source: Omanghana
