The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is to partner the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) in a prevention-led anti-corruption drive aimed at blocking loopholes in the NWDC’s systems and procedures to enhance development in the region.
The proposed collaboration will place preventive measures, rather than prosecution alone at the centre of efforts to protect public resources and promote integrity.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NWDC, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Kano and Jigawa states, Barrister Ahmad Muhammad Wada, said there was a need for collaboration between the two agencies to prevent and block loopholes for corrupt practices that might emerge in the organisation’s systems and procedures.
He explained that the ICPC’s prevention component focuses on reviewing systems, strengthening internal controls, promoting transparency in procurement and sensitising staff and stakeholders on ethical conduct, so that public resources are protected before corruption takes root.
Wada further said that prevention is better than cure, adding that both agencies should work together to fight corrupt practices and improve the chances of achieving development goals. He urged the NWDC management to work diligently and maintain zero tolerance for corrupt practices and shoddy completion of projects, noting that many projects are allegedly sabotaged at the procurement stage.
The ICPC has consistently argued that corruption prevention is most effective when institutions close procedural gaps that create opportunities for abuse. Such preventive work includes system reviews, compliance checks, staff sensitisation and procurement oversight, which help to reduce waste and protect the integrity of public projects.
The meeting also underscored a shared understanding that development commissions must build integrity into planning, procurement and project delivery from the outset. By working with the ICPC, the NWDC is expected to strengthen safeguards that promote value for money, accountability and public trust.
In his response, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NWDC, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Maaji, assured the ICPC of his support and the Commission’s readiness to collaborate in the fight against corruption.
Prof. Maaji said the NWDC’s priority areas include fighting insecurity in the region, developing agricultural practices to engage youths, providing health for all, which he described as wealth—engaging youths in economic activities, providing access roads and rehabilitating industries.
He added that the commission had engaged vigilante groups for quick response to insecurity and to promote mobilisation and information-sharing for the protection of communities, including speaking out when hoodlums and criminals are sighted.