By Mohammed Hanif
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has warned that Nigeria will continue to struggle with underdevelopment unless the political class is held accountable for corruption.
Kaigama, who spoke during a pastoral visit to St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Kubwa, Abuja, said the country’s problems persist because many leaders who divert public funds are neither investigated nor punished. The Archbishop lamented that instead of facing consequences, some corrupt officials are celebrated and even succeed in passing their wealth to the next generation.
According to him, Nigeria has remained trapped in cycles of poor governance, insecurity and economic hardship due to what he described as “impunity at the highest levels”. He noted that countries that progressed did so by enforcing strict accountability for leaders and ensuring the rule of law applied to all.
During the visit, where he also administered the sacrament of confirmation to hundreds of parishioners, Kaigama called on public office holders to embrace integrity and prioritise national interest over ethnic or religious loyalty. He warned that leadership driven by greed, tribalism and self-preservation continues to undermine national unity and development.
The Archbishop stressed that genuine reform would only begin when the government takes decisive action against financial mismanagement, diversion of public resources and other abuses of office. He urged anti-corruption agencies to strengthen their work and ensure that investigations are not selective.
Kaigama’s comments come amid rising public frustration over economic hardship, inflation, and persistent security challenges across the country. His stance aligns with repeated calls by civil society groups, international bodies and governance experts urging Nigeria to prioritise accountability as a foundation for development.
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