For twelve years, Faith Momoh, a Nutrition Officer and Nurse at the Npi Ofu Local Government Secretariat in Ugwolawo, Kogi State, has fought corruption in a system where unethical practices have become accepted. In an environment where food and relief items meant for vulnerable communities are routinely siphoned by officials for personal gain, Momoh has stood her ground, ensuring that aid reaches those it was intended for.

Momoh’s battle is against a widespread practice in Nigeria’s grassroots, where palliatives donated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other relief agencies are misappropriated by local stakeholders. This form of corruption, often fueled by nepotism and godfatherism, has harmed the nation’s reputation and increased the struggles of those in need.

Her experience mirrors larger national issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reports surfaced about recipients being deprived of their share of palliative packages due to favoritism and mismanagement. In another report from Borno State, internally displaced persons (IDPs) suffered hunger due to the diversion of relief items by local officials. A report from Lagos State by the Nigeria Library of Medicine revealed similar breaches in the relief distribution process, with indigents unable to access aid due to insufficient records and omissions.

Corruption is not just about the theft of money or materials, it is also about the loss of trust in the system. It is deeply rooted at various levels of governance, from infrastructure projects to education and healthcare. It has also manifested in humanitarian aid, which makes it more dangerous as it affects the most vulnerable in the country.Corruption in Nigeria is often portrayed as a high-level problem, with attention focused on federal and state governments. However, the real impact is felt most acutely at the grassroots, where local officials manipulate relief materials and other forms of aid. 

The diversion of food and relief items intended for impoverished communities is a stark example of how corruption increases poverty and widens the gap between the rich and the poor. These incidents are not isolated, they are part of a broader national crisis. From Borno in the northeast to Kogi in the central region, the failure to deliver aid to those who need it most is a recurring theme. The consequences are severe increased hunger, malnutrition, and suffering in communities that are already marginalized.

While many in positions of power abuse their authority, Momoh has consistently worked to provide fair and transparent aid distribution. Her refusal to engage in corrupt practices has earned her the enmity of colleagues who sought to manipulate the system. “I ensure there are fair and equitable distributions of these palliatives, and I make sure proper records are kept,” she says.

Her principled stance has come at a personal cost. 

“The staff of the LGA make constant efforts to siphon some of the items to share among themselves and have grown to hate  me for not allowing them to do so. As a result, they hardened their hearts against me and withdrew their cooperation from activities I am in charge of; neglecting their work, failing to keep records, all so that the operations I am heading fail,” she reveals.

Their hostility has been compounded by the fact that she is a woman in a leadership role, and they have even gone so far as to threaten her job. 

“They also resorted to threatening my job, to the extent that I had to report the matter to the state unit in Lokoja, where they were brought to book,” Momoh recounts.

The cost of standing up for what is right in Nigeria can be dire for whistleblowers and reformers like Momoh, the risks are not only professional but personal. Many have lost their jobs, faced harassment, or been subjected to violence. In some cases, their families have also been targeted. Momoh’s perseverance in the face of such adversity speaks to her strength of character and her commitment to the ideals of public service. A 2022 survey revealed that women in similar roles across Nigeria often face greater resistance and scrutiny, with about 30% reporting gender-based obstacles to performing their duties effectively.

However, despite the threats and pressures, Momoh remains steadfast. “I have made up my mind to stand for what I believe in. I would rather lose my job than have a record of being a thief.” In 2020, she was recognised as an Integrity Icon by AL Nigeria. To this day, she remains committed to always carrying out her duties and conducting herself with integrity.

Faith Momoh’s story is a powerful reminder of the daily struggles faced by individuals fighting corruption within Nigeria’s deeply entrenched cultural and bureaucratic systems. Her courage and dedication highlight the critical need for ethical leadership in public service, where the welfare of the people must take precedence over personal gain. Her experience illustrates one aspect of the struggle by upright individuals in Nigeria to tackle corruption in a challenging cultural and superstitious environment. Daily, they deal with dubious challenges, many of which are difficult, and at times, seemingly impossible, to overcome.

Momoh’s battle is not just against her colleagues at the local government, it is against a culture of corruption that has taken root in Nigeria. There is a critical need for ethical leadership at all levels of governance. Without individuals like Momoh, who are willing to stand up for transparency and accountability, corruption will continue to thrive, and the most vulnerable members of society will continue to suffer.

This report is championed by Accountability Lab Nigeria and supported by The John D. and Catherine D. MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.