Riskology by Infortal: Episode 31 – Nigeria: Winning the fight against corruption with Soji Apampa, Christopher Mason and Dr. Ian Oxnevad | Thomas Fox – Compliance Evangelist
Soji, Chris and Ian discuss grassroots and civil society efforts in Nigeria and West Africa to fight corruption and increase transparency in the economy.
The fight against corruption and the role of civil society
Soji Apampa, a leading expert in anti-corruption, shares his experiences in promoting ethical business practices in Nigeria and developing corporate compliance in the region. In contrast to top-down regulatory systems in the US and Europe, anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria underscore the need for effective joint action by the private sector and civil society.
Successful models for this include the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network and technological advances that are increasing transparency and reducing opportunities for corruption in West Africa. Nigeria’s maritime sector is a vivid example of how collective action can lead to significant improvements in integrity and operational efficiency. Prior to these concerted efforts, discretion and the lack of standardized operating procedures often led to unpredictability and opportunities for corruption.
Culture matters: From the perception of hostility to the fight against corruption
Soji’s journey in integrity and anti-corruption began when he returned to Nigeria as a civil engineer. Frustrated by rampant corruption and trade abuses, he took it upon himself to establish a culture of transparency and anti-corruption. Over time, these efforts changed the culture where “anti-corruption” was considered “anti-government” to one of increased transparency and professionalism. Despite initial setbacks, support from like-minded individuals and organizations paved the way for significant progress. In recent years, there have been significant improvements in the maritime sector thanks to collective action. From 266 corruption cases in 2019 to just 45 in 2022, the benefits are clear. Efforts to introduce transparency and reduce unacknowledged cash demands have drastically reduced transportation costs and made the sector more reliable.
Cultural issues: Western rules work differently elsewhere
In countries such as France and Germany, bribery practices were initially not only widespread but also tax deductible. Countries such as the US, the UK and France have even ranked at the top of corruption indices in the past despite strict anti-corruption laws. A crucial factor in the success of compliance programs is the cultural context in which they take place. Corporate culture often reflects broader societal norms and influences how compliance policies are perceived and implemented.
Although there are increasing laws in the West to combat corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing, many of these laws do not meet local needs. Laws from developed countries often encourage corrupt practices. Bottom-up initiatives such as the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network show how effective collective action can be in the fight against corruption.
By working together, companies can create a culture of integrity. Reforms in the maritime sector included the development of clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and schedules for specific activities, improving predictability in both cost and time. Captains can adhere to these standards and checklist requirements, reducing the risk of extortion. Unlike in the past, the transfer of a vessel from anchorage to berth now takes a standard 90 minutes, rather than varying times and taking several hours.
When you go abroad, you need a travel guide
Understanding local dynamics is critical, as even the best-laid compliance plans can fail if they don’t align with realities on the ground. Unlike the abstract nature of high finance, industries like shipping rely heavily on functional relationships between shippers, locals, and government. This sector demonstrates that good collaboration ensures the smooth transportation of essential goods and keeps daily life going. As bottom-up initiatives help fight corruption, greater diversity in the business environment becomes more local. At the same time, a “local guide” is needed to help you navigate new business environments to avoid violations of laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and local laws. Information and local connections are important.
Nigeria’s success now serves as a model for the “global south”
The Nigerian model for combating corruption in maritime transport has inspired similar reforms in other major ports and regions around the world. Countries such as Egypt, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ghana have begun to create similar frameworks, which holds promise for broader anti-corruption efforts. Countries such as Nigeria that exhibit real structural changes may not immediately reflect these in perception surveys, but they Show less –
