Abuja, Nigeria – Mediaage NG News – Effectively addressing corruption in the Nigeria needs a wholistic multifaceted approach that target negative behaviour, influences social norms and promotes ethical conduct.
It involves government intervention, campaigns by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to educate the community and active engagement from citizens.
Recognising the limitations of traditional anti-corruption strategies centered on law and sanctions, the MacAuthur Foundation, an organisation that supports creative persons, effective institutions and influential networks in building a more just, verdant and peaceful world, embraced a novel approach – the Behavioural Change Approach.
This approach emphasizes altering behaviours through media, advocacy, technology and creative methods to reshape attitudes, behaviours, norms and morals at individual level.
MacArthur imbibes into the minds of many that progress is possible on some of the most pressing global challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, decreasing nuclear risk, promoting justice and reducing corruption in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.
It does this through the ON NIGERIA Cohort Approach aimed at reducing corruption by providing support to Nigerian led efforts that strengthen accountability, transparency and participation. The cohort approach aims to foster exploration, norming/bonding and collaboration amongst civil society organisations, faith based groups and individual organisations to achieve this common goal.
It was on this basis the Behavioural Change Conference and Exhibition 2023 was on Wednesday organised in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, with the support of MacAuthur Foundation, a propelling factor to fostering a corruption free Nigeria.
The goal of the conference brought together experts, thought leaders, and stakeholders from various sectors to address corruption in Nigeria and promote sustainable development.
Founder, Akin Fadeyi Foundation, Akin Fadeyi said the Behavioural Conference Cohort’s efforts is to advance anti-corruption objectives through measurable outcomes. He also revealed that the event which also provided an exhibition platform is aimed at recognising achievements and encouraging suggestions from stakeholders.
Toyin Akinniyi, Vice President of Africa Luminate, speaking on ‘Why Gender Equity and Social Inclusion’ are crucial in tackling corruption, said where there are no inclusive processes, it will be easy for corruption to thrive. She also said decisions that do not reflect the totality of a community are some of the signs of corruption witnessed today.
Corruption is society based, not just the leaders, she said.
“So, how can we as people trying to fight corruption deploy the tools to address the endemic nature of corruption? We can’t talk about behavioural change without addressing the people’s perception.
“All of us who are working to address the menace of corruption, how participatory and inclusive are our initiatives and processes? The traditional civil societies and the media have done a good job. But, how are we embracing other change makers or agents. There are roles that they can play to fight corruption”, she added.
Dr. Kole Shettima said the MacArthur Foundation’s commitment to employing behavioural insights for change in anti-corruption initiatives within Nigeria will provide a platform for collaboration and idea-sharing among grant cohorts and partners.
Uche Andrew, representing Gender and Inclusion Lead Joint National Association for Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), said the cause of persons with disablity suffers because of the kind of societal perception they attract. He expressed optimism of the positive impacts the Behavioural Change Conference would have on persons with disablity.
Examplefying himself as someone that was not born with disability, he said “disability could happen to anybody at anytime, I want us recognise the ability in any disabled person. Stigmatising and avoiding persons with disablity is not ideal.
“Corruption is fought in this regard when we understand the need for inclusiveness for all because, interests of persons with disablity are recognised. With that, we can be able to achieve an inclusive society”, he explained.
More speeches from other speakers to follow…