The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the media as a strategic ally in the fight against corruption.
The Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, emphasized this commitment during a breakfast meeting hosted by the Commission. He highlighted the critical role of the media in amplifying anti-corruption efforts and holding public institutions accountable.
Dr. Aliyu praised the media’s dedication to investigative journalism, analysis, and exposing corrupt practices. He reiterated the ICPC’s resolve to ensure transparency, protect whistleblowers, and provide verified information through official channels such as press releases, newsletters, and digital platforms.
“The media is not merely an observer but a frontline partner in this fight. Your voices have the power to shatter the silence in which corruption thrives,” Dr. Aliyu stated. He added, “Under my leadership, the ICPC is determined to sustain and expand our collaboration with the media to enhance public awareness and accountability.”
The Chairman urged the media to remain steadfast as watchdogs, ensuring that Nigerians continue to be informed about the fight against corruption.
“Our mission remains unwavering—to reduce corrupt practices through robust public mobilization, operational diligence, and strict adherence to the rule of law. We count on the media as dependable allies in amplifying our successes,” he said.
During his presentation, Dr. Aliyu reviewed the Commission’s activities in 2024, showcasing an impressive track record of public engagement and strategic anti-corruption initiatives.
These included tracking 1,500 government-funded projects worth N610 billion under the Constituency & Executive Projects Tracking Programme and conducting 579 sensitization exercises that reached over 1.4 million people through community engagement programs.
He also highlighted key interventions, such as:
– Ethics & Integrity Compliance Scorecards: Assessing institutions’ commitment to ethical standards.
– Sexual Harassment Prevention Programme: Addressing corruption linked to abuse of power.
– Anti-Corruption & Transparency Units (ACTUs): Strengthening institutional integrity.
– National Ethics & Integrity Policy & Behaviour Change Initiative: Encouraging ethical governance.
– The “CARE” Policy Thrust: Enhancing anti-corruption advocacy and community engagement.
A significant development, Dr. Aliyu noted, is the Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments, aimed at ensuring financial transparency at the grassroots level. This initiative aligns with the Supreme Court’s decision on local government autonomy and is expected to curb financial mismanagement in local governance.
The Chairman also addressed challenges in the public service, noting that certain rules allow convicted individuals to remain in office. In such cases, the ICPC reports the matter to the Code of Conduct Bureau to ensure appropriate disciplinary action.
Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, commended Dr. Aliyu for his efforts in tackling corruption. He emphasized the need for a collective approach to combating corruption and pledged the media’s support in working with ICPC to achieve lasting reforms.
As Nigeria continues its anti-corruption battle, the ICPC’s strengthened collaboration with the media and stakeholders is expected to reinforce transparency, accountability, and public trust in governance.