ICPC Recovers Over N13bn Diverted Public Funds In September – Aliyu

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu has revealed that the Commission recovered over N13billion diverted public funds in the month of September, 2024.

Aliyu revealed this during the launch of the Commission’s 2024-2025 Strategic Action Plan (SAP) and EthicsPod at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja on Wednesday.

He noted that the initiative represents a crucial milestone in the Commission’s continuous battle against corruption and underscores the immense responsibility entrusted to it.

The ICPC Chairman stressed that the Commission over the years made significant progress in discharging its mandate, revealing that the Commission has recovered N13 billion in diverted public funds in September 2024 alone.

He said,”We are truly honoured to have you with us today for the launch of the 2024-2028 Strategic Action Plan (SAP). This occasion represents a crucial milestone in our continuous battle against corruption and underscores the immense responsibility entrusted to the ICPC by the nation. Your presence today highlights your dedication to this vital partnership, and we fully recognise that the fight against corruption cannot be won by any single institution alone.

“Over the past year, the ICPC has made significant progress in discharging its mandate; for example, we recovered over N13 billion in diverted public funds in September 2024 alone. This is just one of the many ways we have worked tirelessly to fulfil our mandate.”

On the reforms embarked on by the Commission, Aliyu 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.

“We are similarly developing a specialised curriculum aimed at enhancing the enforcement capacity of our personnel. 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.

“Additionally, we are decentralising the anti-corruption effort 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.

“As you may recall, last month (September), we successfully held a conference with State Attorneys General, and over 30 State Chief Law Officers attended.”

In response to the findings from the Third National Corruption Survey, the ICPC Chairman said they have intensified efforts to broaden the reach of the anti-corruption campaign by actively engaging citizens, civil society, and the media.

“A key part of this initiative is our upcoming EthicsPod digital community, designed to foster a culture of transparency and accountability across both public offices and everyday life nationwide. 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.

“This SAP, in line with our ‘CARE for Impact’ initiative (Culture, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency), provides 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.”

On measures deployed in preventing corruption, he said the ICPC has intensified efforts to identify institutional and administrative vulnerabilities through System Studies and Corruption Risk Assessments.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission to a multi-agency approach in tackling corruption, adding that the anti-corruption fight requires collective sacrifice from all stakeholders.

“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 (ACTUs) in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), 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.

“This 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.

“Allow me to express my profound appreciation to RoLAC for their robust support in developing this plan. I also extend my sincere gratitude to the staff of the ICPC and the Commission’s Board for their tireless efforts in bringing this Strategic Action Plan to fruition and for their daily work in combating corruption.

“My colleagues, I thank you and congratulate you on how far we have come and on the journey that lies ahead. I have no doubt in your commitment and capacity to deliver on the promises we make today. Let us move forward with renewed determination, knowing that together, we can build a Nigeria where corruption has no place. This is our commitment,” Aliyu said.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Hon. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, noted that the launch of the strategic plan was a significant milestone in “our collective efforts to combat corruption and safeguard the integrity of our public institutions”.

According to him, the fight against corruption remains a cornerstone of this administration’s agenda, “as we recognize that corruption is a cancer that eats away at the very fabric of our society. It undermines trust, weakens institutions, and hampers our progress as a nation.

“In this light, the work of the ICPC is of paramount importance, not only in ensuring that corrupt practices are identified and prosecuted but also in fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across all sectors.

“The launch of this Strategic Action Plan is both timely and necessary. It represents a clear roadmap for the Commission to strengthen its operations, enhance transparency, and deepen collaboration with stakeholders at all levels of government and the private sector.

“The plan will undoubtedly empower the ICPC to address emerging challenges, adapt to evolving threats, and more effectively carry out its mandate.

“As the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, I assure you of the Ministry of Justice’s unwavering support in providing the necessary legal framework, resources, and guidance to ensure that the objectives of this action plan are fully realized.

“We will continue to work closely with the ICPC and all other relevant agencies to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done”.

Fagbemi commended the leadership of the ICPC for their diligence and commitment to reform.

He also acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders who contributed to the development of this Strategic Action Plan. “Let us continue to work together to build a Nigeria where corruption is no longer tolerated, and where accountability and transparency are the hallmarks of governance,” he said.

He highlights of the event was the launch of the Strategic Action Plan SAP and EthicsPod.

Other notable speakers at the event include the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dingban-Mensem, and Regional Director, RoLAC/IDEA, Nigeria.

The auspicious occasion also had in attendance representatives of both Houses of the National Assembly, European Union (EU), among other dignitaries.