Moghalu Calls for Social Security Reform as Key to Fighting Corruption

The President and Vice Chancellor of African School of Governance ASG, Kingsley Moghalu, has called for a fundamental shift in how corruption is tackled in Nigeria and across Africa, arguing that without strong social security systems, efforts to curb corruption will remain ineffective.

In a statement shared on social media, Moghalu criticised the current anti-corruption efforts, describing them as “drama” centred around the arrest of politically vulnerable individuals or low-level offenders, while ignoring deeper systemic issues.

“The fight against corruption cannot succeed unless governments fulfil fundamental obligations to the welfare of citizens,” Moghalu said. “This goes far beyond EFCC arrests. It requires a comprehensive social security system that gives citizens, especially those outside pensionable employment, confidence in their futures.”

He linked the endemic corruption in public offices to the lack of long-term social safety nets, saying many officials see looting as the only way to secure their future after leaving public service.

“All capitalist countries, from the USA to Japan to Germany, have social systems that ensure citizens’ welfare. Nigeria must follow suit if we are serious about fighting corruption, poverty, and insecurity,” he added.

Moghalu described as short-term, politically motivated initiatives such as “empowerment” programs and “palliatives,” which he said failed to address the root causes of poverty and corruption.

Citing Nigeria’s 2025 national budget, Moghalu revealed that only 1% is allocated to social security, excluding healthcare and education which he noted also receive relatively low funding.

“The sooner the contest for political power in Nigeria revolves around who can think and act on these basic issues, the better,” he urged, adding that meaningful change will only come when citizens begin to demand better governance and reject sectarian or transactional politics.

He stated that systemic reform must go hand in hand with traditional anti-corruption tools like transparency and accountability to produce lasting results.