Monday, July 20, 2026

Nigeria’s bright future remains elusive due to widespread corruption: Ex-Lagos Speaker Ikuforiji

“Corruption cut across society—politicians, teachers, farmers, traders, drivers, doctors, civil servants, religious leaders and others,” said Mr Ikuforiji.

• March 6, 2026
fourth edition of an Iftar organised for media practitioners
Adeyemi Ikuforiji at the fourth edition of an Iftar organised for media practitioners

A former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has urged public officeholders to deliver good governance and ensure Nigerians enjoy democracy’s dividends.

Mr Ikuforiji made the appeal on Thursday in Lagos at the fourth edition of an Iftar organised for media practitioners.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for pursuing policies he said were improving governance and gradually yielding positive economic outcomes.

Mr Ikuforiji said Nigerians must reflect on the nation’s journey since independence and confront the persistent challenges hindering development.

“Nigerians have come a long way, and anyone who is fair-minded and independent will appreciate the efforts of the present administration. Mr President has made possible what many thought impossible. Things were bad before because we avoided reality and blamed others,” he said.

He urged leaders and citizens to continually evaluate government performance in order to strengthen accountability and promote better governance.

The former Speaker also encouraged Nigerians to reduce dependence on imported foods and invest more in agriculture.

Mr Ikuforiji called for public support for government policies aimed at strengthening the economic foundation.

“We operated superficially for years, using petroleum revenues to inflate the naira without producing enough to sustain the economy,” stated the Lagos politician. “Corruption cut across society—politicians, teachers, farmers, traders, drivers, doctors, civil servants, religious leaders and others.

He added, “Corruption has become widespread. Until we rethink our values and change our orientation, development, and the future we desire will remain elusive.”

Mr Ikuforiji was a subject of corruption allegations and trial until 2024. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged Mr Ikuforiji with a 54-count charge of laundering N338.8 million.

It accused Mr Ikuforiji of misappropriating funds belonging to the Assembly while serving as the speaker. The EFCC alleged that the defendants committed the offences from April 2010 to July 2011.

In 2024, the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court acquitted the former speaker and his former aide, Oyebode Atoyebio, of the 54-count money laundering charge.

(NAN) 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Economy

OPay leads Nigeria’s fight against digital fraud

Elizabeth Wang, chief commercial officer of OPay, noted that technology should not only make payments easier but also make financial services more trusted and more inclusive.

Opinion

Aderonke Atoyebi: One Year After the Tax Reform Laws: Tinubu’s economic foresight is taking shape

How President Tinubu’s bold reforms and Dr Zacch Adedeji’s leadership at the Nigeria Revenue Service are driving record revenue growth and building a more resilient economy.

States

Troops arrest suspected terrorist logistics suppliers in Borno

Mr Goni said troops recovered 202 cartons of herbicides, one jerrycan containing suspected acid, and one Starlink wireless internet communication system, among other items.

Hot news Home top

FULL SPEECH: ‘I go with good grace,’ Starmer says in final speech as UK PM

Keir Starmer gave his final speech as prime minister on the steps of Downing Street.

Folashade Ambrose

Economy

Lagos inaugurates accelerator training for N10 million single-digit MSME loans

The loans will be provided under the Lagos State Access to Finance for SMEs through Cooperatives (LASMECO) programme.

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia

Politics

My administration remains focused on service, says Gov Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia says his administration remains undeterred, focused, and deeply committed to serving the people in Benue.