Senate President Godswill Akpabio says behavioural change is
required to tackle the menace of corruption and failing social norms in
Nigeria.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday at the national policy dialogue on
corruption, social norms and behaviour change in Nigeria.
He was represented at the event by Saviour Enyiekere, his
deputy chief of staff. The dialogue was organised by the Independent Corrupt
Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The senate president said behavioural change could be Nigeria’s single biggest instrument in addressing corruption and the destruction of social norms in the country.
“The process of
behavioural change typically involves awareness and recognising the need for
change and potential benefits and consequences associated thereof,” he said.
“This affects gathering information, learning, and becoming
aware of existing behaviours. It also involves motivation and developing the
desire to change.
“The motivation to change certain behaviours can be
influenced by personal goals, values, social pressures, or external incentives.
“Essentially,
behavioural change becomes possible when we educate and inform by providing
accurate and relevant information about unacceptable behaviours, their
consequences, and alternative options.
“This helps individuals make informed decisions and
understand the benefits of the change that we seek. I also believe that in
achieving behavioural changes, incentives and rewards play a great role as they
tend to reinforce desired behaviours.
“Tangible rewards, recognition, or positive feedback that
encourages individuals to continue or adopt new behaviours have the capacity to
drive people towards new behaviours.
“Therefore, for us as a country and a people desirous of
delivering change to our society and through it, building a nation that caters
for its people and makes its resources work for its people, we must use
behavioural change as a tool to tackle the menace of corruption and failing
social values in our country.”
Akpabio added that tackling corruption involves transparency
and accountability, noting that the 10th senate under his leadership is
positioned to bridge existing legislative gaps in the fight against corruption.
“However, institutions like the ICPC must enforce
comprehensive anti-corruption laws that criminalize corrupt activities, and
establish clear guidelines for ethical behaviours,” he said.
“The extant laws of Nigeria have provided for the
independence of the judiciary and effective law enforcement agencies to
investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
“I also believe that we must develop the courage to promote
a culture of ethics and integrity in our schools. This is because fostering a
culture of ethics and integrity in the society through education and awareness
campaigns will help to promote such values as honesty.”
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