ICPC claims to recover N13b stolen funds, plans to digitalise operations for greater efficiency
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
A massive N13 billion diverted into private pockets from the public purse was recovered in September alone, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed.
ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, SAN, who announced the retrieved loot at the launch of ICPC Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028 in Abuja, described it as a remarkable achievement.
“Over the past years, the ICPC has made significant progress in discharging its mandate. For example, we recovered over N13 billion diverted public funds in September 2024 alone. This is just one of the many ways we have worked tirelessly to fulfill our mandate,” he said.
“We are also embarking on ICT reforms that will digitalise our operations and enable more efficient investigations, case management, and internal processes.
“This transformation will position the Commission as a leader in leveraging technology to combat corruption, keeping us one step ahead of criminal activities in the digital age.”
The ICPC is also developing a specialised curriculum to enhance personnel enforcement capacity, Aliyu added.
“This initiative equips our officers with the skills and expertise needed to address the complexities of corruption cases with the highest standards of professionalism and efficiency.
“We are decentralising the anti-corruption efforts by empowering state governments through the mobilisation of state Attorneys General. This approach ensures that state governments are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to effectively combat corruption at the local level.”
Aliyu recounted that the ICPC held a conference with state Attorneys General in September, attended by more than 30 state chief law officers.
In response to the findings from the Third National Corruption Survey, he said, the Commission has intensified efforts to broaden the reach of the anti-corruption campaign by actively engaging citizens, civil society and the media.
He explained that a key part of this initiative is an upcoming EthicsPod digital community, designed to foster transparency and accountability across both public offices and everyday life countrywide.
“These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy, forming the backbone of our Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028, which builds on our past achievements and charts a clear path for the future.
“SAP, in line with our ‘CARE for Impact’ initiative (Culture, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency) provided a comprehensive roadmap for achieving our goals over the next five years.
“It aligns with key national policies such as the Nigeria Agenda 2050, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022-2026, and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy, among others.
“As part of this strategy, we will continue to strengthen our institutional integrity and deepen collaborations with other stakeholders.”
Aliyu stressed the need to intensify efforts to prevent corruption and corrupt practices.
“As we know, prevention is better than cure, and the ICPC has intensified efforts to identify institutional and administrative vulnerabilities through System Studies and Corruption Risk Assessments.
“We have also continued to engage with the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units in ministries, departments, and agencies, reinforcing our grassroots monitoring mechanisms.
“As we look ahead, the success of this strategic plan will rely heavily on synergy, collaboration, and strategic partnerships, and I want to reaffirm the ICPC’s commitment to a multi-agency approach in tackling corruption.
“The journey requires collective sacrifice, discipline, and integrity from all stakeholders.
“Together, we can institutionalise integrity in our systems and mobilise our citizenry to embrace the anti-corruption war.”
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