- Launches Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028) and Podcast on Anti-Corruption
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN has disclosed the recovery of over N13 billion by the Commission in the month of September 2024 alone.
Dr. Aliyu, who stated this Wednesday during the launch of the Commission’s Strategic Action Plan and a digital Podcast platform called EthicsPod in Abuja, further stated that the recovery was just one of the many ways the Commission having been working tirelessly to fulfil its mandate.
The ICPC boss said a comprehensive roadmap for achieving ICPC’s goals for the next five years was the Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028), which is in line with key national policies, marking a crucial milestone in the fight against corruption.
According to him “ICPC has begun Information and Communication Technology (ICT) reforms in its operational and administrative structures to enable more efficient investigations, case management and internal processes.
He emphasised that the fight against corruption could not be won by a single agency, stressing that the success of the Strategic Action Plan would rely heavily on synergy, collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Speaking on the Podcast, the ICPC boss disclosed that EthicsPod aimed to educate and engage young Nigerians on transparency and to take a stand against corruption, stressing that the Podcast is bi-weekly programme and would bring together beneficiaries, experts, victims of corruption, and real-life stories to encourage listeners.
While presenting the podcast to the audience, the Commission’s Spokesperson and Ag. Director of Public Enlightenment and Education Department, Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, stated that, ‘’Through real-world stories, the Podcast highlights corruption in public offices and on the streets, exposing its consequences and empowering citizens with tools and knowledge to resist and report corrupt practices.’’
EthicsPod, he added, ‘’is facilitated by staff of the Commission to educate, engage, and inspire Nigerians to take a stand against corruption and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.’’
On his part, the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said that the Strategic Plan was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s collective efforts of combating corruption and safeguarding the integrity of our public institutions, just as he noted that the fight against corruption remained a cornerstone of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu led administration’s agenda.
He stated that the launch of the strategic Action Plan was both timely and necessary, its represent the roadmap for the Commission to strengthen its operations, enhance transparency, deepen collaboration with stakeholders at all levels of government and the private sector.
The Attorney- General further pledged his unwavering support in providing the necessary legal framework, resources and guidance to ensure that the objectives of the Commission’s Strategic Action Plan be fully realised.
Distinguished Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (SAN) representing the Chairman on Anti-Corruption Senate Committee stated that the 2024-2028 Plan was a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to fight against corruption and promote integrity.
Senator Lawan further stated that “ICPC has remained steadfast in its mission of riding Nigeria of corrupt practices and other related offences and it has taken commendable strides in investigating and prosecuting cases of corruption, preventing corrupt practices, system reviews, sensitising the public on dangers and risk of corruption and the overall impact of these efforts cannot be overstated”.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Honorable Prince Kayode Moshood Akiolu in his goodwill message congratulated the Commission for preparing a four year plan.
Hon. Akiolu said that he would want the ICPC to further work with the national Assembly in making laws that ensure ICPC and other relevant stakeholders carry out their mandate effectively in the fight against corruption.
Barrister Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said “Having a strategy is like having a book in the shelf and what is important is the discharge, ability, commitment and proficiency to implement the strategy. I urge the ICPC staff to be committed to the course of implementing the plan”.
Dr. Roba Sharamo, representing the Regional Director of Rolac/IDEA emphasised his agency support for ICPC in the development and deployment of the SAP, which basically was in line with increasing transparency, accountability and anti- corruption in public institutions in Nigeria.
Dr. Sharamo said the importance of the SAP was to strengthen and recover the proceeds of corrupt practices; as he commended the Commission’s recovery of N13 billion just within one month.
He further said that the element of ownership and the political will to fight corruption needed to be deepened across the society and that ICPC’s role in the reduction of institutional enablers of corruption as well as blocking the loopholes where corruption takes root was important.