How Corruption in Nigeria Affects UK

Posted by Thandiubani on Wed 14th Oct, 2015 - tori.ng

Grant Shapps has stated that corruption in Nigeria affects the United Kingdom.

UK Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth, Grant Shapps

United Kingdom's Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth, Grant Shapps has complained that the level of corruption in Nigeria affects UK directly stating that the country will take measures to protect the integrity of its financial system.

Shapps made this known yesterday in Kaduna while meeting the Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state. He said the UK is committed to tackling corruption and would take severe action against people who commit criminal and financial crimes.

The government of the United Kingdom yesterday has said the level of corruption in Nigeria affects it directly and it would take steps to protect the integrity of its financial system. Shapps pledged his country's commitment in working with the Buhari administration to tackle corruption and recover looted funds.

According to Shapps: “Where assets are recovered, we will return them to Nigeria as soon as we can so they can be used for Nigerian development,”

“Corruption is present in every society including the UK. No country is immune. But the solution is not simply to accept it. The solution is better government. That is why the anti-corruption agenda is important to the UK,”

He however noted areas the Buhari administration must focus attention on if it wants to win the anti-corruption war. He stressed on more transparency in the oil and gas sector, a transparent and credible budgeting plans at all levels, and blockage of all loopholes that give public servants the opportunity to loot and build enviable law enforcement agencies' with the capacity to investigate, prosecute and convict offenders.

In his response, Governor El-Rufai expressed gratitude for UK’s assistance to Nigeria in the last general elections and reiterated the Buhari administration's stance and efforts at tackling corruption. He called for more cooperation with countries like the UK to help Nigeria in recovering funds stolen by politicians stashed in foreign accounts.