Anti-corruption fight must combine punishment, prevention- Russian envoy

Russian envoy Igor Ivannikov emphasized that combating corruption necessitates a dual approach involving punishment for existing offenses and preventive measures to address root causes. Ivannikov discussed Russia's comprehensive anti-corruption framework during a diplomatic dialogue in Abuja, outlining areas of potential cooperation with Nigeria.

He highlighted the importance of income and property declarations by public officials as a preventive measure, explaining that such declarations enable comparisons between declared income and property holdings, aiding in the detection of discrepancies. Additionally, Ivannikov noted the significance of preventing conflicts of interest, requiring civil servants to report instances where personal interests could compromise their duties.

He also advocated for the review of existing regulatory laws to identify provisions that could create conditions conducive to criminal activities. Ivannikov stressed that digitalization and electronic platforms for public procurement could reduce opportunities for corruption by enhancing transparency and accountability. However, he cautioned that while digitalization is a crucial tool, its effectiveness hinges on robust oversight, accessible information, and accountability of officials.

Regarding criminal investigations, Ivannikov specified the roles of various Russian agencies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Federal Security Service, Investigative Committee, and Prosecutor's Office. Russia has also been proactive in international asset recovery, collaborating with foreign authorities to trace and recover illicit funds located abroad.

The Russian envoy stressed that Nigeria could benefit from Russia's experience in tackling corruption, noting the historical ties between the two nations and the legal framework established by the 2018 Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.