NIESV 53rd Annual Conference: Ex- Ghanaian President, John Mahama, Calls ‘Financial Disclosure’ Effective Anti-Corruption Tool

Former Ghanaian President, Mr. John Mahama on Thursday described an effective financial disclosure system as a potent anti-corruption tool.

This, he noted, will help to tackle corruption in the public sector.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that Mahama said this while giving his keynote speech during the Day Four of the ongoing 53rd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers  in Ilorin,  the Kwara state capital.

 He also described corruption as a cankerworm that retards the progress of a nation.

His keynote topic was; ‘Asset Valuation As A Global Anti-Corruption Tool:- The Nigeria Experience’.

Corruption must according to him be fought headlong whether it occurs in the public or the private sector noting that corruption grows as a result of the failure of the institutions that are established to fight it.

This was in line with the submission made on Wednesday by Mallam Bature Ali Muhammad , who delivered paper on the Day 3 of the annual conference. Bature, who is the 2nd Vice President of  NIESV, had noted that administrative  anti-corruption efforts that began in the country in 1999, and had led to the establishment of  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), had though recorded some successes but had since faced hindrances that include   funding issues with regard to their projects, limited jurisdictional power and slow dispensation of justice.

‘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’ Mahama said.

The former Ghanaian President submitted that people in positions of authority who sign contract documents that produce ‘shoddy work’   would be considered and categorized among those destroying the economy of such a nation.

He urged all stakeholders in Nigeria and the African sub-region to rise and defeat corruption in every way.

Mahama  also urged Nigerians to support government efforts and ensure transparency in the fight against corruption in all sectors of the economy.

He also called for the use of the asset declaration mechanism to fight corruption.

‘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  said.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state,  who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, lauded NIESV  while noting that the theme of the conference ‘The Nigerian Experience’, ‘is apt’ cognizant that this keys into the main focus of the current administration in the country with regard to the fight against 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 enthrone a corrupt-free society through active citizen’s participation and engagement , stakeholders including Estate Surveyors and Valuers, are experts, professionals /consultants helping citizens of a particular country understand what space there is and how it can be best developed in order that everyone can live a happy and productive life’ he said.

Earlier in his opening speech, President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, ESV Johnbull Amayaevbo, had disclosed that the theme of the Conference  ‘Asset Valuation As A Global Anti-Corruption Tool: The Nigeria Experience’  was carefully chosen as governments alone cannot succeed in preventing and fighting corruption and corrupt practices without the cooperation and collaborative efforts of the private sector.

He said the institution will continue to collaborate with government agencies to reduce corruption in the country-Team@orientactualmags.com
Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you