government contracts

Leslye Obiora

Ref Batch
H
Ref Batch Number
15
Country of Reform
Interviewers
Itumeleng Makgetla
Name
Leslye Obiora
Interviewee's Position
Professor of Law
Interviewee's Organization
University of Arizona
Language
English
Nationality of Interviewee
Nigerian
Place (Building/Street)
By phone
Town/City
Tucson, Arizona
Country
Date of Interview
Reform Profile
No
Abstract
Leslye Obiora reflects upon her tenure as minister of mines and steel development in Nigeria between 2006 and 2007. She begins by discussing her appointment to the position of minister and her task to rejuvenate the mining industry and attract foreign investment. She discusses the challenges of passing pertinent legislation in Nigeria. Obiora reflects upon her experience with severe irregularities both within her ministry and on the part of international organizations. She discusses her efforts to eradicate corruption within her ministry with the help of consultants, and she talks about strategies for managing corruption and the importance of whistle-blowers. She discusses several challenges to development in Nigeria, including the lack of relevant information and entrenched interests within international organizations. Finally, Obiora emphasizes the immense importance of institutional memory, policy continuity and consistent, long-term leadership as key to reform and progress.
Profile

At the time of the interview, Leslye Obiora was a professor of law at the University of Arizona. Prior to that, she was cabinet minister for mines and steel development in Nigeria. She was also manager of the Africa Region Gender and Law Program. Since receiving her master of laws degree from Yale University and doctoral degree in law from Stanford University, she has practiced law and held several academic positions.

Full Audio File Size
90MB
Full Audio Title
Leslye Obiora Interview