CPPE has warned that Tinubu’s Presidential pardon could undermine investor confidence in Nigeria.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has cautioned that President Bola Tinubu’s recent presidential pardon may erode investor confidence and raise concerns about Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
In a statement issued on Sunday, CPPE’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said granting clemency to individuals convicted of economic and financial crimes sends the wrong signal to investors and development partners.
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According to Yusuf, such actions “raise questions about policy consistency, contract sanctity, and investment security, potentially discouraging both domestic and foreign investors.”
While acknowledging that the presidential prerogative of mercy is a constitutional right, the CPPE stressed that its application to serious offences like corruption, drug trafficking, and illegal mining must be handled with utmost discretion and transparency.
“The Federal Government should urgently review and rationalise the list of beneficiaries of the pardon to reaffirm Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and financial crimes,” the Centre urged.
The statement further noted that Nigeria’s drive to build a competitive and respected economy depends on the credibility of its institutions and the integrity of its governance systems.
“A perception of weak sanctions for financial and economic crimes is incompatible with the nation’s development goals,” CPPE stated.
“To maintain investor confidence and social stability, the government must uphold the rule of law, ensure accountability, and strengthen transparency in the exercise of executive clemency.”
The warning follows the October 11, 2025 announcement from the Presidency granting clemency to 175 convicts, including individuals jailed for illegal mining, drug trafficking, and kidnapping — a move that has sparked public outrage.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, clarified that the list of pardoned persons remains under review.
