Former Ghanaian president advises Tinubu to use asset declaration as a major tool in the fight against corruption

FORMER Ghanaian president John Mahama has advised President Bola Tinubu to declare his assets publicly and to insist his lieutenants do it too as asset declaration by the public officers is an effective tool for tackling the corruption menace.

Speaking in Ilorin at the 53rd annual conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), President Mahama said that corruption is a cankerworm that retards the progress of a nation. He added that corruption must be fought headlong whether it occurs in the public or private sector, pointing out that corruption grows as a result of the failure of the instructions that are established to fight it.

President Mahama said: “Corruption is a global challenge that hinders economic development, diverts investments from infrastructure, institutions and social services and undermines efforts to achieve other country-specific development goals and targets. The international community has embarked on a global anti-corruption fight across several sectors, including real estate.

“Real estate asset and property valuation are a critical factor in asset investment decision-making and a vital tool for the global fight against corruption. Considering the enormity of the consequences of perversely attributed values to assets, asset valuation deservedly demands and requires increased attention from critical actors, such as the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers.

“Our fragile financial intermediation systems’ security and growth face significant risks from poorly done asset valuation. To remain relevant in pursuing economic and social progress and distributive justice and equity, you as professionals must rise to the occasion and create a more responsive regime to aid Africa’s renaissance and growth. You must work to build Africa as a centre of excellence in the asset valuation space.”

He also urged Nigerians to support government efforts and ensure transparency in the fight against corruption in all sectors of the economy. President Mahama  also called for the use of the asset declaration mechanism to fight corruption.

Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, said: “The Nigerian experience, is apt as it keys into the main focus of the current APC-led administration to fighting corruption, which is an endemic problem confronting our corporate existence as a nation. It is also a testament to the commitment of NIESV as a worthy partner of the Nigerian government in the quest to enthroning a corrupt-free society through active citizen’s participation and engagement surveyors."

Johnbull Amayaevbo, the NIESV president disclosed that the theme of the conference  Asset Valuation as a Global Anti-Corruption Tool: The Nigeria Experience, was carefully picked, stating that governments alone cannot succeed in preventing and fighting corruption and corrupt practices without the cooperation of the private sector. He said the institution will collaborate with government agencies to reduce corruption to the barest minimum.