A Nigerian civil society group, the Grassroots Center for Rights & Civic Orientation (GRACO), has linked endemic corruption directly to pervasive human rights violations, arguing that the cycle deprives millions of poor and marginalised citizens of basic dignity and services.
In a press statement marking the consecutive observance of International Anti-Corruption Day (December 9) and Human Rights Day (December 10), GRACO called on stakeholders to intensify data-driven efforts to tackle insecurity, unemployment, and delayed justice—challenges they say are rooted in a culture of impunity and corruption. The organisation stressed that Nigeria’s future, as one of the world’s youngest nations, hinges on urgently addressing governance deficits that disproportionately harm the young and the vulnerable.
GRACO also announced it will participate as an observer organisation at the 11th Conference of States Parties (CoSP11) to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in Doha, Qatar, from December 15–19, 2025. GRACO Executive Director, Mr. Armsfree Ajanaku, confirmed he was invited by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and will use the global forum to ensure the voices of “grassroots governance actors and activists” are heard. The group’s key focus will be on empowering local actors, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities, to become active participants in processes like budget transparency and asset recovery, ultimately aiming to build a stronger movement that connects global anti-corruption efforts with local action on the ground.
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