COVID-19 funds were diverted in countries – UN

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Aminat Mohammed, on Wednesday, said inadequate oversight and transparency led to the diversion of COVID-19 funds in some countries.

Mohammed made the remark at the UN-General Assembly Special Session on Corruption (UNGASS) at UN headquarters in New York, NAN reports.

The theme is “Challenges and Measures to Prevent and Combat Corruption and Strengthen International Cooperation’’.

The official noted that the UN System Common Position on Corruption, which coordinates support for member states, sets out measures for integration of anti-corruption processes nationally and locally.

The world body urged countries to restore public trust by taking concrete actions to eliminate corruption.

Mohammed said social protests had sent a clear message that people would not tolerate cynical, corrupt practices.

“They are demanding transformation of legal, political, economic and social structures that have long been indifferent to accountability and transparency.”

She added that corruption disproportionately impacts women, limiting their access to public resources, information and decision-making.

“It fosters organised crime and the exploitation of natural resources”, said Mohammed, a former Environment Minister.

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa will present Nigeria’s position at the Special Session.