Senator Ali Ndume has voiced serious concerns regarding the widespread corruption in Nigeria, labeling it as one of the country’s most pressing challenges. His comments were made during an interactive session with journalists in Kano on Saturday.

Ndume stated, “Our major challenge in this country is corruption. Up until now, we have no law that can proactively or reactively address this issue.” He remarked on the troubling prevalence of corrupt practices in Nigerian politics and governance, noting, “If you see someone in our system who is not corrupt, then he is lucky to be God-fearing.”

He expressed dismay that individuals who engage in theft often do so without facing consequences, and are even celebrated. “In this country, you can steal money and walk freely. People will lobby you and prostrate before you, even knowing that the money was stolen,” he said.

The senator contrasted this with developed countries, where sudden wealth is scrutinized. “If someone had no money last week but then buys ten cars and jets the following week, people here celebrate him instead of asking how he made that money,” he noted.

Ndume revealed his previous attempts to introduce legislation aimed at addressing unexplained wealth in Nigeria, mentioning that he had approached a former Head of State for an Executive Bill, which was ultimately declined. “Up until now, there is no law on an unexplained wealth act in Nigeria, and there is no Executive Order on it,” he added.

In addition to his corruption concerns, Ndume also highlighted the hunger crisis facing the nation, advocating for increased cultivation of food crops to tackle the problem. “There is hunger in the land, and we have not cultivated up to five percent of our arable land. Nigeria is blessed with massive cultivable land,” he asserted, calling for the effective use of the country’s abundant land resources to grow food crops and feed the populace.