The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has called for the deployment of more cutting-edge Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the operations of governments at all levels in order to minimize corruption.
The call was made by the acting Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Usman Abubakar, through the Director of Planning, Research and Review of the Commission, Mr. Bala Mohammed, in Bauchi recently during the presentation of a draft report on a system study of the Bauchi State Pension Board (BSPB) conducted by the Commission.
Dr. Abubakar said that the system study revealed that the accounting processes of the board were yet to be computerized giving room for human interface in its transactions with its attendant corruption risks.
He also noted that the Board still operates typewriters to compile names of Pensioners which makes the work cumbersome, tedious, time- consuming and open to corruption.
The acting Chairman further stated that urgent attention was required to address the many challenges inherent in the organisation’s system in order to minimize the risks and ensure a healthy system.
After receiving a copy of the draft report, Chairman of the board, Mr. Usman Salihu, assured the Commission they would look into the issues raised in the report and act accordingly.
He also promised to liaise with ICPC in the implementation of the recommendations.
As part of its preventive function, the Commission carries out system study and review exercises of government organisations to detect corruption loopholes and weaknesses in its processes and thereafter directs a compliance with its recommendations for addressing them.