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Nigerian Bar Association Ramps Up Anti-Graft Efforts

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Nigerian Bar Association Ramps Up Anti-Graft Efforts

Corruption has been established severally as a profound problem on Nigeria’s path to progress and development. Former President Muhammadu Buhari, even though he did not demonstrate adequate will in the fight against corruption, recognised this fact, in submitting that we must kill corruption before it kills Nigeria. Apart from Nigeria’s retrogressive performance in the Transparency International’s corruption rankings, a 2024 Nation-wide Corruption Survey by 1,500 Nigerians which culminated in a recent publication, Nigeria Corruption Perception Data, shows the prevalence of corruption within the three arms of government, three levels of governance and the three sectors of society: public, private, and social sectors. My findings from the survey corroborated my long held argument that Corruption and Leadership Deficit are the major bane of Nigeria, and that without concrete incremental efforts towards addressing corruption, meaningful human development and utmost freedom would remain elusive.

Not many Countries explicitly have anti-corruption written into their respective constitutions. Our laws and constitution are not oblivious to the devastating effects of corruption, hence the intentions to address issues of corruption. Section 98(I) of the Criminal Code provides that any Public officer who is found guilty of corruption is guilty of a felony and is liable to seven years’ imprisonment. Section 15 (5) of the 1999 constitution, as amended, stated that, “The state shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” Similarly, Section 23 of the constitution provides for a National Ethics which shall be discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, Social Justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance, and patriotism. The NBA, leading by example, can provide some inspiration for the Judiciary, the Legislature, and Executives on the need for real commitments and will in the fight against corruption. However, Governments in Nigeria, since 1999, have paid different levels of lip service and actions towards reducing corruption in Nigeria.

Not only is there a constitutional injunction to address corruption, it is known that there is also an inverse relationship between corruption and the rule of law. So, it is a welcome development that the Nigerian Bar Association has recently commenced showing interest in contributing to anti-corruption in Nigeria. Tackling corruption successfully is to enhance the rule of law, the NBA’s guiding motto. A failure in mitigating and addressing the scourge of corruption is to create a situation of disregard for the rule of law.

The NBA, under the current leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, should be supported in its efforts against corruption. At its recent NEC meeting, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), following the recommendation of its National Anti-Corruption Committee, unanimously resolved to establish Branch-Level Anti-Corruption Committees across all 130 branches, working in synergy with the National Committee, chaired by Prof. Babafemi A. Badejo.

Matching his words and commitment with actions, the NBA President has charged all the 130 NBA branch Chairmen to constitute branch-level Anti-Corruption Committees. In his communication, the NBA President stated:

I am directing all Branch Chairmen to take immediate steps to constitute their respective Branch-level Anti-Corruption Committees. These committees will work in strategic alignment with the National Anti-Corruption Committee, chaired by Prof. Babafemi A. Badejo, to achieve the broader objectives stated in the following Terms of Reference that my office had charged the National Anti-Corruption Committee with:

1. Investigating and addressing complaints of corruption and unethical conduct
within the legal profession;
2. Collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, and other
stakeholders;
3. Developing and promoting policies and initiatives that foster transparency and
accountability;
4. Organising sensitisation campaigns, training programs, and workshops on anti-corruption laws and ethical best practices;
5. Providing legal support for whistleblowers and victims of corruption; and
6. Undertaking any additional assignments as directed by the President or NEC.

The NBA presidential directive from Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, is a commendable and decisive institutional move from the NBA. Indeed, “a clarion call for moral leadership and institutional renewal,” in the words of the NBA President. The NBA, at this point, cannot afford to be euphemistic, diplomatic, or act in denial against the monster of corruption that has become life-choking.

The NBA must not sit idly, hoping that false patriotism or miracles will solve a problem that our collective actions, courage, resolve, and accountability must address. This renewed effort reflects our belief in the efficacy of the Rule of Law, Integrity, Excellence, and Courage, as reflected in Nigeria’s Constitution and the NBA’s Vision, Values, and Motto. The national focus on anti-corruption should, in addition to other institutional arrangements, be on the NBA’s structured efforts on anti-corruption as a way of promoting the rule of law.

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Opinion

Colonel Ude: Another Gallant Army Officer Taken Down

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It was another sad day last Monday when the news broke that a serving colonel of the Nigerian Army had been killed while his wife was shot in an attack on their residence near Abuja.

The slain officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, was attacked shortly after returning to his home in Kurudu District of the nation’s capital, on Monday evening. His driver and security guard also sustained gunshot wounds during the assault.

Citing security sources, PRNigeria said the attackers attempted to abduct the officer but met stiff resistance. After failing to take him away, the assailants allegedly shot the officer multiple times before fleeing the scene.

His wife, driver and security guard, who were caught in the attack, were rushed to hospital and were receiving treatment for varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

The killing has sent shockwaves through military circles, coming at a time Colonel Ude was preparing for his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.

An indigene of Enugu State, the late officer served in several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Armed Forces. LawEnforcement

Colleagues described him as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer whose dedication to duty earned him widespread admiration within the military.

Besides the fact that the killing has renewed concerns over attacks on serving and retired military officers in Abuja and other parts of the country, the killing of a senior military officer by gunmen right inside his residence, also shows how unsafe the country has become for both ordinary and privileged Nigerians.

It is particularly worse for military personnel. They are not safe on the battlefront; they are not safe at home and they are safe in retirement.

The incident comes about two years after retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was killed by armed men who invaded his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja while he was defending his family. The attackers reportedly escaped with his firearm and other valuables.

The federal government has to seriously come up with a strategy on how to end the incessant killings in the country. In the last one week, over 70 people have been killed across the country. Nigerians cannot continued to leave in fear.

 

 

-THISDAY

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Lifestyle

FULL LIST: Breakdown of Nigerian Ambassadors’ Salaries, Allowances Revealed

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BREAKDOWN EMERGES

Nigerian ambassadors’ pay packages have come under renewed attention. Fresh figures revealed that while basic salaries remained modest, allowances significantly boosted overall compensation for diplomats posted abroad

Reports showed that total monthly take-home pay often reached several million naira, reflecting the high costs of overseas postings

According to Salary.com, as of December 2025, the average annual salary for employees at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States stood at $93,909. This translated to an approximate hourly wage of $45.

Salaries at the embassy typically ranged from $82,124 to $107,453 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and levels of experience within the organisation. Reports indicated that pay was influenced by factors such as job role, department, years of service, and location.

Nigerian Ambassador Salary Structure

Rufai Oseni of Arise TV reported that the salary of Nigerian ambassadors was governed by the Consolidated Diplomatic, Consular and Foreign Service Cadre Salary Structure (CONPSS) in the Nigerian public service. Ambassadors usually fell into the highest grade levels, GL 17 or equivalent, with additional allowances for overseas postings.

Based on government budget allocations, salary surveys, and reports on foreign service personnel costs, the basic salary was described as modest by international standards but supplemented by substantial allowances.

Basic Salary of Nigerian Ambassadors Monthly Basic Pay:

Approximately ₦800,000 to ₦1,200,000 (about $485–$727 USD).

Annual Basic Salary: ₦9.6 million to ₦14.4 million (about $5,818–$8,727 USD).

These figures were drawn from the CONPSS scale for top-tier diplomatic officers. Entry-level foreign service officers reportedly earned around ₦300,000–₦500,000 monthly, but ambassadors, being at the top of the career ladder, commanded the upper end.

The figures also aligned with general public sector pay for Grade Level 17 officers, adjusted for inflation and the 2025 minimum wage increase to ₦70,000.

Allowances and Total Compensation

Reports highlighted that basic pay alone did not reflect the full compensation package.

Nigerian ambassadors posted overseas received allowances designed to offset high living expenses, hardship, and representational duties.

Total monthly take-home pay often exceeded ₦2–5 million ($1,212–$3,030 USD), depending on the host country.

The release of estimated salaries shed light on the financial structure of Nigeria’s foreign service. While the basic salary remained modest compared to international standards, allowances ensured that ambassadors were adequately supported in their overseas postings.

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Opinion

How to Apply for Police Character Certificate, Tinted Glass Permit

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The Nigeria Police Force has outlined the application process for obtaining a Police Character Certificate and Tinted Glass Permit through its Police Specialised Services Automation Project portal.

According to the guidelines on the POSSAP platform, applicants can complete most of the process online before visiting a designated police command or formation for biometric capture.

Here are the steps and requirements:

Police Character Certificate

So This Happened (EP 413): Zamfara Gunmen Abduct Council Chairman, Kill Four Security Personnel0:09 / 1:01

Applicants are required to fill out an online request form with the following details:

• Identification type (National Identification Number, Bank Verification Number or International Passport)

• Identification number

• Full name

• Phone number

• Email address

• Gender

• State of residence

• Local Government Area

• Residential address

• Alternative contact information (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP

Tinted Glass Permit

The application process follows four stages:

• Select the tinted glass permit service

• Complete the online request form

• Confirm submitted details and submit the application

• Make the required payment

Applicants must provide the same personal information required for the Police Character Certificate, including:

• Identification type and number

• Full name

• Phone number

• Email address

• Gender

• State

• Local Government Area

• Residential address

• Optional alternative contact details

Important guidelines for applicants

The Nigeria Police Force reserves the right to approve or reject any application based on its operational guidelines and security considerations.

Submission of false information, forged documents or fake biometric data will lead to automatic rejection of the application and may attract penalties.

Applicants residing in Nigeria must appear in person at their selected police command or formation for biometric capture on their scheduled appointment date.

A one-time, non-refundable application and processing fee is required for each request.

Payments must be made only through the POSSAP platform using the payment invoice generated during the application process .

Applicants are not required to pay any additional fees at police formations for biometric capture or collection of certificates or permits.

Processing and issuance of applications require a minimum of 72 hours.

Apply here: http://possap.gov.ng/p/login

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