Dare Babalola
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review and rationalise the list of beneficiaries of the presidential prerogative of mercy.
According to Dr. Muda Yusuf, Director/CEO of CPPE, on Sunday, extending clemency to persons convicted of corruption, financial crimes, murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining could have far-reaching economic and social consequences.
Dr. Yusuf stated that the CPPE commends the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for clarifying that the recently published list of beneficiaries of the presidential prerogative of mercy was not final.
The CPPE expressed concerns over the inclusion of persons convicted of corruption, financial crimes, murder, drug trafficking, and illegal mining on the list, emphasising that such acts of liberal clemency risk sending disturbing and counterproductive signals, particularly when Nigeria is striving to diversify its economy, attract investment, and restore global confidence.
The CPPE noted that illegal mining undermines legitimate enterprise, depletes national revenue, and fuels insecurity in mining communities. Corruption and financial crimes distort markets, weaken institutions, and discourage fair competition.
Dr. Yusuf warned that leniency toward financial and economic crimes erodes deterrence, weakens enforcement, and signals tolerance for misconduct.
“Reaffirm Nigeria’s zero-tolerance position on corruption, drug trafficking, illegal mining, and financial crimes; uphold institutional integrity and ensure that justice is never compromised for convenience or political expediency; and strengthen transparency and accountability in the exercise of executive clemency to safeguard public confidence and investor trust.
“Nigeria’s aspiration to build a competitive, diversified, and globally respected economy rests on the credibility of its institutions and integrity of its governance. The perception of weak sanction regimes towards economic and financial crimes is incompatible with this goal.
“To preserve investor confidence and social stability, government must demonstrate unwavering commitment to accountability, effective consequence management and the rule of law. The credibility of Nigeria’s economic reform and investment promotion drive depends largely on it,” CPPE stated.
The CPPE particularly acknowledged the achievements of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which have earned global recognition, noting that a lenient sanction environment fosters impunity, weakens ethical standards, and erodes public trust in justice institutions.
The CPPE urged the Federal Government to urgently review and rationalize the list of beneficiaries of the prerogative of mercy and reaffirm Nigeria’s zero-tolerance position on corruption, drug trafficking, illegal mining, and financial crimes.
The CPPE also called on the government to uphold institutional integrity and ensure that justice is never compromised for convenience or political expediency.
Dr. Yusuf emphasized that Nigeria’s aspiration to build a competitive, diversified, and globally respected economy rests on the credibility of its institutions and integrity of its governance.
