ABUJA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said here Monday the African continent had suffered from severe consequences of corruption since independence, saying "it is imperative that we take steps to reverse the trend."
The president enjoined leaders to continue to implement policies that would build resilient systems to withstand assault by corrupt officials.
Nigeria, for its part, had taken steps in this direction, Buhari said at the corruption risk assessment training for heads and senior officials of anti-corruption agencies in the African Union.
The leader said before he assumed office in May 2015, the pervasive nature and devastating impact of corruption on the Nigerian nation was dysfunctional.
He said his administration was "taking steps to institute integrity and transparency in the processes of government" and would hold those indicted for plundering the nation's resources to account for their actions.
"The fight against corruption is a battle for the souls of our different countries and it is one that we must won," the president said.
