The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening accountability, advancing criminal justice reforms, and promoting value reorientation among Nigerian youths.
The reaffirmation was made by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, who was represented by Mr. John Okor Odey, Deputy Director and Head, Education Division, in the Public Enlightenment and Education Department of the Commission at the Nigeria Accountability Summit (NAS) 2025, held in Abuja.
Mr. Odey served as a panelist at the Summit, themed “Strengthening Accountability for Inclusive Economic Growth,” jointly organized by Step Up Nigeria, Accountability Lab, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
In his remarks, Mr. Odey emphasized that accountability remains the foundation of sustainable development, stressing that a fast-tracked and effective criminal justice system is key to building public confidence in the fight against corruption.
He explained further that a transparent, fair, and efficient justice process was essential for deterring corruption, ensuring equality before the law, and restoring trust in governance.
Mr. Odey used the opportunity to highlight ICPC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional integrity within the public sector to include inter-agency collaboration, system reviews, and policy advocacy aimed at enhancing efficiency and fairness in public administration and service delivery, stressing that the fight against corruption cannot succeed without reforming processes in law enforcement, investigation, prosecution, and community engagement.
Addressing the issue of value reorientation, Mr. Odey underscored ICPC’s strategic focus on youth engagement and moral education, particularly through the Students Anti-Corruption Clubs and Students Anti-Corruption Vanguard established in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions nationwide.
He noted that cultivating a culture of integrity among young Nigerians is vital for building a future generation of accountable leaders.
He commended the implementing partners for providing a platform that fosters collaboration and innovation in governance, adding that it aligns with ICPC’s preventive mandate to promote transparency, ethical conduct, and good governance across public institutions.
Mr. Odey also clarified that the ICPC operates with full independence, noting that there has been no evidence or record of government interference in the Commission’s work and called for continuous partnership among anti-corruption agencies, the judiciary, civil society, and the private sector to build an accountable society that upholds justice, empowers youth, and drives inclusive social, political, and economic growth.
The panel session, themed “Strengthening Social Sanctions to Promote Integrity in Public Administration for Inclusive Growth,” featured six panelists: Mr. John Okor Odey (ICPC); Mr. Atolagbe Aramide (Code of Conduct Bureau); Barr. Anthony Bamidele Ojo (Chairman, NBA Garki Branch); Dr. Femi Ajayi (UNODC); Mr. Jonathan Otene (Teacher, BJ Schools); and Mr. Ezegbuam Philip (Integrity Icon).
The session was moderated by Ms. Feranmi Iyanda, Director of Programmes, Step Up Nigeria. The discussants proffered solutions for bridging the gap in enforcing social sanctions and strengthening integrity systems.
The 2025 Nigeria Accountability Summit concluded with renewed commitments from all stakeholders to consolidate ongoing gains and advance Nigeria’s journey toward transparency, justice, and sustainable national development.
The annual Summit brings together leaders from government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to review progress on governance reforms and explore innovative strategies for promoting transparency and inclusive growth.