Nigeria was on Monday elected the Vice Chairman of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

The election was ratified by all the African countries participating at the five-day conference in Vienna, Austria.

According to the President of the session, Thelma Aldana, it is a boost in Nigeria’s efforts at nipping corruption in the bud.

Her words: “It is an election well deserved. Nigeria has demonstrated remarkable determination in the fight against corruption, the election into this exalted position is therefore a boost.”

Issues discussed at Monday’s proceedings included: "Understanding the Links between Corruption and Violent Extremism," "Citizens Engagement in Fighting against Corruption, the Elephant in the Room," "Addressing Corruption Linked to Wildlife Crime; "UNCAC and Integrity, Transparency and Anti corruption Preventive Policies," "Fostering Partnerships to Fasttrack UNCAC Implementation," and "Putting the Marrakech Declaration on the Prevention of Corruption into Practice: Implementing Robust Anti-gay Corruption Frameworks and Bodies."

Nigeria’s delegation, led by Ambassador Vivian Okeke, Nigerian Ambassador to Austria, included Ambassador I. Akabogun Chinwuba, acting Under Secretary, Regions and International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Ibrahim Magu, acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.