Magu to youths: Break the cycle of corruption

Ibrahim Magu, former acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has asked Nigerian youths to take the lead in dismantling what he described as the entrenched culture of corruption in the country.

Speaking on Wednesday at the gala night of the 2025 National Industrial Manpower Summit held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, Magu said Nigeria’s development, particularly in human capital, continues to suffer under the weight of systemic corruption.

Addressing an audience of youth delegates, industry leaders, and civil society stakeholders at the event themed ‘Manpower Development – The Bridge Between Potential and Productivity’, Magu said corruption is not just a government problem but a cultural issue that has stifled the country’s growth and eroded its values.

“Corruption is not just a government issue — it is a cultural issue. And it is up to you to break the cycle,” Magu said.

“We must confront the bitter truth: Corruption remains the single greatest threat to manpower development in Nigeria.

“When a nation invests billions in education but classrooms remain empty and under-equipped, corruption is at work. When our brightest minds leave the country not because of lack of talent but lack of opportunity, corruption is to blame.”

Magu, who served as acting EFCC chairman from 2015 to 2020, said the consequences of corruption are not limited to financial losses but extend to the erosion of innovation and hope among young Nigerians.

“Let me be clear: Corruption kills innovation. It kills hope. And worst of all, it kills the spirit of the Nigerian youth,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Magu said he remains optimistic about the capacity of Nigerian youths to chart a new course for the country, highlighting their resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

“I have seen firsthand that our youth are not weak. They are not lazy. They are not waiting to be rescued,” he said.

“They are ready to lead. They are building tech startups in Yaba, running farms in Nasarawa, driving fashion empires in Aba, and developing mobile apps in Kaduna.”

He urged the youth to embrace integrity, character, and purpose as they assume leadership roles.

“You are the bridge. You are the ones who will take Nigeria forward — if you refuse to cut corners, if you choose integrity over impunity, and if you understand that true leadership begins with character,” Magu said.

“What they need — and what they deserve — is a system that is clean, fair, and just. A system where success is built on merit, not manipulation. A nation where hard work is rewarded and corruption is punished.

“If manpower is the engine of national development, then anti-corruption is the oil that keeps that engine running. We must do more than just train our people — we must protect the systems that ensure their training leads to impact.”

He called for structural reforms across the public and private sectors, including transparent recruitment processes, accountable spending in education, protection for whistleblowers and reformers, and the recognition of integrity in service delivery.

Magu also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and focus on youth development.

“Your Excellency, your dedication to youth empowerment, skills development, and institutional strengthening is not going unnoticed. Through your Renewed Hope Agenda, you are giving the next generation a reason to believe again,” he said.

“Let tonight be more than a gala. Let it be a turning point. Let it mark the beginning of a new era where Nigerian manpower is not only developed but deployed, protected, and honoured.

“I believe in Nigeria. I believe in her youth. I believe the future is not far — it is here, it is now, and it is ours to shape.”