The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting the promotion of fairness, transparency, and integrity in public sector recruitment processes.
Dr. Aliyu made this known while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd), and his delegation, who were on a courtesy visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
During the meeting, Dr. Aliyu emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling systemic corruption and abuse of office, particularly in recruitment processes.
He appealed to the CDCFIB to uphold meritocracy and provide a level playing field for young Nigerians applying for jobs under the Board’s supervision.
The ICPC Chairman also expressed concern over the increasing cases of job racketeering and alerted that unchecked practices undermine national development and discourage foreign direct investment.
“One area I have always raised concerns about is the area of employment. Many young Nigerians are challenged with job opportunities. Agencies of government should try to exercise fairness, try and foster a level playing ground for all, irrespective of where they come from”. He said.
Speaking further, Aliyu said, “Heads of government agencies in particular should be mindful of fairness in recruitment processes, to avoid undermining cohesion”.
The ICPC’s Boss further highlighted the Commission’s three-pronged approach to fighting corruption, which he said includes: prevention, enforcement, and public enlightenment.
He charged for sustained consultations among government agencies to address corruption holistically rather than relying solely on arrests and prosecutions.
ICPC Boss also proposed the idea of solidifying collaborations with the CDCFIB by way of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies to enhance intelligence sharing, capacity building, and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
In his remarks, Major-General Jibril (rtd), thanked the ICPC Chairman for the warm reception and underscored the importance of understanding the functions of ICPC in guiding the operations of the CDCFIB.
Jibril expressed the Board’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Commission in promoting integrity and transparency in the CDCFIB’s operations.
The CDFIPB was established by the Customs Immigration and Prisons Services Board Decree No. 14 of July 11, 1986. Before the establishment of the Board, the paramilitary Services, except the Nigerian Customs and Excise, had been administered under the mainstream of the Ministry of Interior.