US, BudgetIT, RLAC launch anti-corruption website

The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria in collaboration with BudgIT, a local NGO, on Wednesday launched Report Yourself, a web-based platform that leverages citizen engagement to fight corruption in Nigeria.

The partnership to promote Report Yourself also includes the Religious Leaders Anti-Corruption (RLAC) working group and Nigerian law enforcement agencies.

This anti-corruption initiative is funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and was developed by BudgIT.

During the official lunch ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires, David Young, explained that Report Yourself puts the power to report corruption in the hands of the Nigerian people.

“I hope that Report Yourself starts a new movement in citizen engagement and I hope every Nigerian who is affected by corruption will feel empowered to share their experiences.  The tide will turn against the culture of corruption when Nigerians recognize that they must fight as one to stamp out this scourge that has hampered development and stifled prosperity,” he said.

The envoy urged Nigerians to demonstrate their commitment to the fight against corruption by making use of the innovative online platform which seeks to address the daily instances of corruption faced by millions of Nigerians.

Report Yourself offers Nigerians the means to instantaneously report corruption, bribery, and graft with the option of filing an official compliant with the Nigerian Police Force Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit.

“Through the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, we are working to increase the capacity of Nigerian law enforcement agencies and the justice sector,” said Chargé Young.

During the event, participants received a guided demonstration of the Report Yourself platform, in addition, religious leaders, members of law enforcement, and civil society representatives renewed their commitment to fight against corruption.