The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has announced the recovery of over ₦13 billion in diverted public funds in September 2024 alone.
According to The PUNCH, the commission’s chairman, Adamu Aliyu, during the launch of the agency’s 2024-2028 strategic action plan in Abuja on Tuesday.
Aliyu emphasized the ICPC’s commitment to its anti-corruption mandate, stating, “In September 2024 alone, we recovered over ₦13 billion in diverted public funds. This achievement reflects our ongoing efforts to fulfill our mandate, which is just one of the many ways we are working tirelessly to combat corruption.”
Though Aliyu did not specify the individuals or sectors involved in the recovery, he expressed the commission’s dedication to strengthening its operations through technology.
He revealed that the ICPC is working on digitalizing its operations to streamline investigations and improve case management.
“We are also embarking on ICT reforms that will digitalize our operations, enabling more efficient investigations, case management, and internal processes.
“This transformation will position the commission as a leader in leveraging technology to combat corruption, helping us stay ahead of criminal activities in the digital age,” Aliyu noted.
As part of its strategic reforms, the ICPC is also developing a specialized curriculum aimed at enhancing the capacity of its personnel.
“This will equip officers with the skills necessary to handle complex corruption cases with professionalism.
Aliyu further highlighted the agency’s efforts to decentralize its anti-corruption work by empowering state governments. Through collaboration with State Attorneys General, the commission aims to bolster corruption prevention at the local level.
“Additionally, we are decentralizing the anti-corruption effort by empowering state governments through their Attorneys General. This ensures that state governments have the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively combat corruption at the grassroots level,” he added.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to fighting corruption, describing it as a priority for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“The fight against corruption remains a cornerstone of this administration’s agenda. Corruption erodes trust, weakens institutions, and impedes our national progress.
“The work of the ICPC is critical not only in identifying and prosecuting corrupt practices but also in promoting a culture of integrity and accountability,” Fagbemi said.
Supporting the ICPC’s efforts, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, pledged the court’s assistance in implementing the new action plan. She stressed the importance of collective action in addressing corruption.
“Corruption is not just about stealing money; it is also about failing to do what you ought to do. We are a great nation, and we will do what we can to support the ICPC in implementing its strategic plan,” Justice Dongban-Mensem affirmed.
The new strategic action plan is expected to drive the ICPC’s efforts over the next four years, focusing on increased efficiency, capacity building, and the decentralization of anti-corruption activities across Nigeria.
