Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has firmly defended the federal government against accusations of widespread corruption, insisting that the administration actively investigates and prosecutes wrongdoing across all sectors.
Bwala made the remarks during a heated interview on Al Jazeera’s “Head to Head” programme hosted by Mehdi Hasan, aired around March 6-7, 2026.
Hasan challenged President Tinubu’s August statement that “there is no more corruption in Nigeria,” calling it “ridiculous” and citing Transparency International’s reports on systemic issues in defense and security sectors.Responding, Bwala clarified that Tinubu’s comment was taken out of context and referred specifically to reforms following the removal of fuel subsidies and improvements in the oil sector.
“How can someone just stand and say there is no corruption in Nigeria? What was the context?” he asked, adding that the president highlighted progress in targeted areas.Bwala emphasized the government’s anti-corruption resolve:
“We investigate any case of corruption, not just in the defense sector but anywhere in government. This administration has had people in government either sacked, investigated, or prosecuted. The resolve of our administration in dealing with corruption is obvious.”
The interview also addressed allegations against Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Bagudu, whom Hasan linked to U.S. Department of Justice claims of misappropriating billions during the Sani Abacha era, including a $163 million settlement.
Bwala dismissed the relevance: “The decision of the court in the United States does not bind the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” stressing national sovereignty in appointments.
Bwala described broad corruption claims against the government as “opinions” rather than substantiated facts, and when pressed on public perceptions including polls showing many Nigerians viewing the administration as corrupthe attributed such views to subjective expressions rather than evidence.
The exchange grew tense as Hasan referenced Bwala’s past opposition criticisms of Tinubu, which Bwala repeatedly denied or reframed as out of context.
He maintained that the Tinubu administration prioritizes reforms and accountability to address Nigeria’s challenges.
The appearance highlighted ongoing debates over corruption perceptions in Nigeria, with the government positioning its actions as evidence of serious commitment to transparency and good governance.
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