Amina Mohammed, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, 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’’.
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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.”
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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.