The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, has commended the operational strategies and achievements of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing as highly professional its fight against corruption and other related offences in the country.

Hon. Akiolu, who gave this commendation recently during a One-Day Roundtable on Examining Parliamentary Oversight of Anti-Corruption Agencies, organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), stated that ICPC had been quietly accomplishing great achievements, especially in the area of corruption prevention and recovery of stolen loots.

Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Mr. Auwal Ibrahim Rafsanjani, emphasised that achieving political integrity was dependent upon effective parliamentary oversight of anti-corruption and other regulatory agencies; adding that recommendations proffered at the end of the event if implemented, would tackle challenges in the attainment of political integrity.

Mr. Rafsanjani stressed that lack of political integrity has been the cause of political corruption that had been translating into very huge economic, political and social crises bringing hardship and extreme poverty to Nigeria.

Delivering a goodwill message, the ICPC representative at the occasion, Mr Hassan Salihu, stated that since political integrity as defined by Transparency International was about exercising political power consistently in the public interest, and not using power to maintain the office holder’s own wealth and position, it was necessary for ICPC to participate in the event.

As part of the Commission`s effort to mitigate corrupt practices in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the Kogi State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has promised to work closely with the management of Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Ilorin, Kwara State to build a reputable organization with reduced incidents of corruption.

The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), ICPC Kogi State, Mr. Ulu James Okoro stated this during the inauguration of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Institute.

Mr. Okoro expressed ICPC’s appreciation for the warm reception and for approving the inauguration and also called for the support of the management to join hands in the fight against corruption in the institute.

The RACC stated that ACTUs are set up to work closely with those at the helm of affairs of the school to build a reputable organization and called for the support of the management to join hands with the Unit in the fight against corruption.

He charged the newly constituted members of the Unit to avoid using their position to intimidate anybody but rather to work together as a team in entrenching the culture of discipline, integrity, transparency and accountability in the institute.

The Executive Director, ARMTI, Dr. Olufemi Oladunni, who was represented by Mr. Olasore Abiodun, applauded ICPC for their efforts in the fight against corruption among public servants through sensitization.

He announced the Institute’s readiness to collaborate with ICPC in its anti-corruption war.

In his vote of thanks, the new Chairman of ACTU, Dr. Oni Olusegun Opeyemi expressed appreciation to ICPC for the inauguration of the unit and also affirmed that they will work hard in order to achieve the desired result.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to use it investigative powers to bring corrupt individuals and institutions to justice.

This call was made by the ICPC Osun State Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr. Demola Bakare, during a courtesy visit and sensitization lecture to NHRC in Osun State.

Mr. Bakare stated that the courtesy visit was triggered by the need for increased collaboration at the state level, and to create awareness and foster public support in the fight against corruption.

In her remarks, the Osun State Coordinator of NHRC, Mrs Nneka Anigbo acknowledged that corruption and human rights are closely associated with each other.

She added that the collaboration between the two organizations can improve the integration of human rights into anti-corruption efforts and ensure that corruption is systematically reduced.

In the sensitisation event that followed immediately after the courtesy visit, ICPC’s Assistant Superintendent, Mary Okebukola shared the importance of addressing corruption and upholding human rights in a democratic nation.

She stated that this is crucial because corruption undermines the foundation of a democratic system and erodes the public trust in government institutions which hampers the rule of law.

She encouraged staff of NHRC to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of corruption on human rights and advocate for systemic changes and legal reforms to help combat this effectively.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR has tasked judicial institutions to make conscious decisions that would promote the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The ICPC Boss also emphasised the importance of repositioning the Judiciary as the fulcrum of the Rule of Law in order to eradicate corruption within the system.

This formed the focal point of his contribution to discussions at a roundtable for Heads of Courts with the heads of government anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria organized by the National Judicial Institute, Abuja recently.

Speaking at the event with the theme, “Repositioning the Judiciary as the Fulcrum of The Rule of Law”, the ICPC Chairman raised new issues under money laundering and its immediate consequences.

According to him, Nigeria was recently grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), but for some reasons, the development did not gain traction.

Grey listing of Nigeria, the anti-graft Boss bemoaned, has very serious implications for the work force and for the strides of economic development.

“The first immediate consequence of FATF grey listing the country is reputational damage, when one carries a green passport or initiates a transaction from the country, it receives enhanced scrutiny”, he stated.

Prof. Owasanoye further explained the implications of FATF grey listing to include deepened economic ratings; balance of payment deficit due to economic consequence on national and international transactions precisely on trade and investment; high transaction costs for Nigerians as well as high borrowing /lending rates.

All these he noted are majorly because of money laundering and terrorism financing of which the laws to counter them have been passed, but in spite of these laws, the country is being accused of not applying the law judiciously to check corrupt practices given its assessment by international bodies.

“Passing the law itself is not the issue; the watch for it is effectiveness. You must pass the laws and then you must apply them vigorously. The fact is that lots of cases are filed in court but the questions is, how come some obvious case didn’t go through the courts and how does this drop through the cracks?”

The ICPC Boss therefore called on the Criminal Justice Institutions and Law Enforcement Agencies to make conscious decisions and join forces to mitigate these vices.

Earlier in his keynote address, the Honorable Chief justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors of the NJI, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, remarked that delay in adjudication of cases poses serious concern to the rule of law and the judiciary’s reputation.

“Prolonged court cases not only deprive individuals of their rights to a prompt trial but also contribute to feelings of frustration and doubt regarding the legal process”, he stated.

He further explained that to address these issues, the Judiciary must streamline and simplify court processes, invest in technology, enhance the capacity of Judicial officers to enable them handle cases efficiently and thereby promote speedy dispensation of justice.

In his address, the NJI Administrator, Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi, explained that the event served as an invaluable platform to exchange experiences, deliberate on best practices and chart a course for the future.

According to him, the Judiciary, being the fulcrum of any democratic society, acts as a guiding light that upholds the principles of justice, equity and fairness.

“It is imperative, therefore, for Heads of Courts to remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the Rule of Law, thereby fostering public trust in the judiciary”, he added.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) has held a 2-day capacity building workshop for Judges.

Speaking at the event, the ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR stated that the event was organised to strengthen the synergy between anti-corruption agencies and the Judiciary and to address current challenges facing the country.

Owasanoye noted that the Judiciary plays a significant role in the fight against corruption, adding that the theme for this year’s workshop would provide judges an insight into the ICPC Establishment Act 2000 in addressing the challenges faced in interpretation of the law and equip the judges with global best practices provisions.

In his words, "This collaborative workshop falls under our enforcement mandate and its objective is to provide your Lordships with insights into the ICPC Establishment Act, 2000, including its seemingly contentious but global best practices provisions, such as the authority to direct a financial institution to 'Post No Debit' on suspected accounts implicated in malfeasance like money laundering pending investigation. The interaction will also throw up challenge faced by the courts and our operatives in the implementation of the law."

Owasanoye further revealed that “ICPC is now an authority in investigating and prosecuting money laundering and proceeds of crime or terrorism related issue under the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022 and Proceeds of Crime (Recovery & Management) Act, 2022, and Terrorism (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In his remarks at the workshop, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON noted that the capacity building workshop would cement the laudable synergy between anti- corruption agencies and the judiciary.

Justice Ariwoola stressed the need for judges to be steadfast in their commitment towards making the country a corrupt free society and not allow sentiments to stand in the way in the discharge of their duties.

“I encourage you all to be steadfast in our commitment towards making our nation a corruption free society, which no doubt, will further create a synergy between anti- corruption agencies and the Judiciary. This dream and vision of strengthening the synergy between the judiciary and the ICPC in particular must continuously be nurtured if we are to succeed in the fight against this monster called corruption”. CJN Ariwoola stated.

While delivering his remarks, the Administrator of NJI, Hon. Justice Salisu Grabe Abdullahi urged the judges to equip themselves with modern techniques of investigation, knowledge of the regulations and skills.

“I will say for the judiciary to perform optimally, judicial officers must be kept abreast with current trends in jurisprudence relating to socio-legal issues in this special and important area of the law.”

The 2 - day workshop is expected to cover topics such as “Overview of the Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Act, 2000”, “Combating the abscondments of the Defendant”, “Overview of Seizure and Forfeiture of Assets under the Corrupt Practices and Other Anti-Corruption Legislations”, “Admissibility of Foreign and Electronic Evidence in Nigerian Court under the Evidence Act and Other Legislations”, “Strengthening the Synergy between the Anti- Corruption Agencies and Judiciary in the Trial of Corruption, Money Laundering and Other Related Offences.”

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is poised to commence Phase 6 of the tracking of constituency and executive projects which started in 2019.

The 6th phase, which will commence on the 16th of October 2023 across 24 states of the 6 geo-political zones of the nation, is coming on the heels of the massive success of the 5th phase which took place in November 2022.

The 6th phase will have teams tracking 1,932 projects valued at N500b. The focal states for the exercise include Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo States and the FCT.

The objectives of the exercise include improved service delivery to the people by investigating fraudulent procurement practices in the award of public contracts; full execution of all public funded projects; execution to specification of all projects funded by government; ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and ensuring that government gets value for monies spent on projects.

The Commission will also be focusing on special intervention agencies/ captive funds projects handling and execution of North-East Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty Program, Niger Delta Development Commission, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ecological Fund Office, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) amongst others.

As usual, the exercise will be carried out by ICPC in collaboration with relevant stakeholders such as Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), the media and civil society organizations.

……ICPC Chairman, Prof Owasanoye wins Trail Blazers Award.

The Website of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, (www.icpc.gov.ng) has again emerged overall best in the 2023 ranking of all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies’ (MDAs) websites by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR).

The award was presented to the ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR, who was represented at the event by Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, Spokesperson of the Commission by the Director- General of BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi, at an award dinner which marked the end of a two day Conference titled: Nigeria Govtech Conference with a theme: Advancing Public Service Reforms Through Digital Transformation.

Notice of the award was conveyed via a letter to the ICPC Chairman, Prof. Owasanoye, titled “Nigeria Govtech Public Service Awards” and signed by the Director-General of BPSR, Mr. Dasuki Ibrahim Arabi.

Part of the letter reads “Sequel to a nationwide nomination and online voting process initiated on Radio, Television and Newspaper publication in Punch newspaper of September 4th 2023, we are pleased to inform you that your organisation will be honoured with the prestigious Nigeria Govtech Award in the category of Best Federal MDA Informational Website”

The Honourable Chairman of ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye SAN, OFR, was also honoured with the “Trail Blazers Award” for the exemplary leadership he has demonstrated in the advancement of Govtech initiatives and digital governance within ICPC in line with Federal Government Digital Transformation in the Public Sector.

It would be recalled that last year, the Commission’s website was ranked best among websites of 220 Federal Government MDAs in the 2021/2022 scorecard.

The analysis was carried out by a jury that comprised relevant government agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Professional Bodies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), multinational information technology firms, etc. based on 14 criteria with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which include domain string, appearance and aesthetics, content, relevance to MDAs mandate/government policy and structure. Others are responsiveness, security, load time, usability, uptime, architecture, availability, interactivity to accessibility of the websites.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged the new members of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan to inculcate the culture of integrity, honesty, accountability, transparency and a sense of personal responsibility for this is very imperative in the fight against corruption. 

This charge was given by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) of Oyo State, Barrister Lucky Erewa during the inauguration of the ACTU of the College.

The RACC, who was represented by Mr. Kunlere Andrew of the state office, noted that ACTU was set up to compliment the efforts of ICPC in combating corruption especially in the public service and the country at large. He advised the school to key into the initiative.

Mr. Tope Egunjobi of ICPC took the newly inaugurated members through the Guidelines for ACTU members with emphasis on meetings, trainings, sensitisation and monitoring activities. 

He further informed them that ACTU is expected to organise periodic enlightenment programmes for the staff, conduct preliminary investigation into complaints and reports, adopt code of ethics for the school, monitor budget implementation as well as carry out study and review of corruption-prone processes and procedures amongst other duties.

Making a remark at the occasion, the Provost of the College Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo who was represented by Dr. Olusegun Ayodeji commended the Commission for this laudable initiative and expressed the willingness of the College to help achieve the objective for setting up ACTU.

In his acceptance speech, the new ACTU Chairman, Dr. A.G. Ibrahim expressed the commitment of his team to discharge on their mandate and asked for the support of staff and students of the college so that they could discharge under conducive conditions.

He encouraged staff of the school to join the fight against corruption so as to have fair and just institution of higher learning.

The Osun State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) has inaugurated an Anti -Corruption and Transparency Unit in Prototype Engineering Development Institute (PEDI) Osun State.

The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) Osun State, Mr. Demola Bakare, fsi, in his goodwill message noted that “the unit is an institutional ethics and anti-corruption instrument designed to operate as an autonomous unit and with functional linkages with the office of the Chief Executive to help in fighting corruption and eliminating corrupt practices in the workplace”.

He made it known that ACTU is not intended to subsume the authority of the management under it wings, rather it is to compliment them, especially in mainstreaming a positive anti-corruption culture where it may be lacking.

Delivering a sensitisation lecture titled “Compliance With FG’s Circular(s) on Anti-corruption Programme by MDAs ( fostering Management’s Support for ACTU)” Mr. Bakare made it known that attitude towards implementation of Federal Government’s Circular(s) and active support of ACTU will not only boost Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts but also directly improve the overall performance (ranking) and reputation of the organisation.

The Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PEDI, Engineer Moruf Oyeleke Oduola thanked ICPC for their efforts to ensure that corruption is prevented in MDAs.

He assured that he will do his best to ensure transparency in the Institute.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) have agreed to reinforce its existing collaboration through the implementation of preventive mechanisms and prohibition of corrupt practices in the judiciary.

The drive for the reinforcement was mooted during the inauguration and induction of nominees of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) held at NJC Office, Abuja.

An Assistant Commissioner who represented the Commission, Mr. Hassan Salihu, noted that ICPC and the judiciary had a strong existing collaboration saying the inauguration of ACTU at NJC would further the ties.

“This event has added advantage to efforts of the ICPC in promoting and entrenching values of integrity, accountability and transparency in government establishments. This Unit being the first to be established in this Council is encouraged to faithfully discharge the ACTU mandate which will in-turn benefit both Management and Staff of the Council.”

The ICPC officer also charged the newly inaugurated ACTU members of the Council to uphold virtues of integrity, while discharging their duties just he warned that the unit was not set up as a parallel authority to the management.

“Let me state clearly that the ACTU is not set up as a parallel authority to management, rather it is expected to operate under the direct oversight of the Executive Secretary, so as to complement management's effort in promoting transparency and accountability within the Council. We implore management to see the ACTU as a strong complementary initiative whose presence and activities would be beneficial to the Council.”

In his remark, the Executive Secretary of the NJC, Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh congratulated the inaugurated members of the ACTU just as he promised that the management of NJC was ready to give them the needed support to deliver on their mandate.

He said “This is a clear testimony of your recognition and I have a strong confidence that you will deliver on the given task. I want to assure you that the Council will also give you the needed support in order to succeed.”

ACTU is mandated to conduct periodic sensitization of staff on corruption; examination of systems, processes and procedures that are prone to corruption and proffering solutions.

It is also tasked with developing or reviewing domesticated Code of Ethics for the Council and ensuring staff compliance with same; monitoring budget implementation; coordinating the deployment of the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard and other tools as well as undertaking preliminary investigations into complaints/reports received amongst others.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR, has unveiled the scorecard of the Fourth Board of the Commission which commenced in February 2019.

Prof. Owasanoye presented this scorecard while making his opening remarks at a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on “Management and Behavioural Change for Management Staff of ICPC” on Tuesday in Akure, Ondo State.

The Chairman, while charging the Management staff from the headquarters and 21 state offices, noted that ICPC was in transition, and so the management and staff should be prepared for the changes that are coming.

“ICPC is in transition, as many of you know. A new Chairman is imminent. Since I got into ICPC, I’d always reminded that I’ll leave. It’s in transition because we are going to have a new board, it’s inevitable. New Chairman, new Board and new directors”.

On the management trainings that the Commission has held this year, he stated that “the intention is to stabilize the institution and the new leadership who will definitely need support.”

Prof. Owasanoye noted that the capacity to do the work of ICPC is within the officers of the Commission but warned them to sit up. “If you don’t measure up, ICPC will go down.”

On the Compendium, the ICPC boss gave credit to God for the achievements it contained. “The Compendium documents the achievements of the 4th Board under my watch, and it summarizes what God has helped us to achieve. Even though I worked hard, God backed me up. Whatever you find in the book, you’ll see the unseen hand of God there”.

The first day of the capacity building workshop featured sessions on People Management and Mentoring within Organizations; Organizational Strategic Management and Administration; and Implementing Behaviour Change: Prospects and Challenges. A presentation on the new Performance Management System of Assessment is scheduled for the second day.

The workshop is a prelude to the commissioning of the prototype building for the Ondo State Office of ICPC.

*Rep Seeks More Funding for ICPC to Combat Corruption

*ICPC To Offer Support To States to Tackle Corruption - Owasanoye

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR, have identified corruption as a major threat to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, public trust and rule of law.

Governor Akeredolu and Prof. Owasanoye made this known on Thursday in Akure, Ondo State, at the commissioning of the anti-graft agency’s prototype State Office Building by the governor.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu, advocated collective efforts between the Federal Government and the sub-nationals to mitigate the spread of corruption across every sector of the economy.

“It goes without saying that corruption has eaten deep into the fabric of our national lives and it, therefore, requires collective efforts to mitigate its spread across every sector.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that corruption is yet a general malaise in Nigeria, thus undermining public trust in our institutions, hampering adherence to the rule of law and limiting socio-economic and political advancements,” Akeredolu said.

He also emphasized the need for all Nigerians to come together in order to continue to stem the pervasiveness of corruption in the country.

He further expressed the determination of the State Government to reduce corruption to the barest minimum as well as provide support to the ICPC to achieve its mandate.

In addition, the governor counselled on the need to embrace preventive approach in the fight against corruption, particularly in carrying out more awareness campaigns, seminars and time-to-time interactive engagement of state and non-state actors to drive anti-corruption policies in the state.

“This approach will lead to swift and efficient handling of corruption cases,” Gov. Akeredolu added.

In his welcome address, the ICPC Chairman stated that corruption poses a great impediment to the socio-economic growth and development of any nation.

“Corruption does not only blight the country’s reputation among the comity of nations, but also impedes the flow of Foreign Direct Investments, and a challenge to national security.

“At the sub-national levels, corruption is responsible for the challenges of meeting the primary obligation of government to citizens which is the security and wellbeing of the people,” he said.

Prof. Owasanoye assured that the Commission would offer support to States in tackling corruption.

“The Commission will support the Ondo State Government and any other state to deal with the hydra-headed monster, particularly in prevention, leveraging on our Systems Study and Review, and Corruption Risks Assessment tools to identifying all vulnerabilities to corruption within the systems, and corruption prone procedures that aid and facilitate fraud and exploitation of the system by unscrupulous public and civil servants, and their private sector allies,” he added.

The ICPC boss disclosed that the Commission had also embarked on several initiatives that focus on combating the menace of corruption thereby entrenching transparency and accountability in public systems to ensure that the benefits of good governance cascades to the grassroots.

According to him, the Commission’s Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTi) has demonstrated the imperative of citizens participation, open governance and inclusivity in the implementation of the country’s budget as it affects the people, as well as the need for transparent procurement process that should engender value for money.

“Our National Ethics & Integrity Policy (NEIP) initiative driven in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency, and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is geared towards addressing the decline of national values. The NEIP speaks to seven Core Values: Human Dignity, Voice and Participation, Patriotism, Personal Responsibility, Integrity, National Unity, and Professionalism.

“It will ensure national cohesion, law and order, security, and safety of person and property, freedoms and duties as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he stated.

He further noted that the Commission with the support of very credible partners had been working incisively to deal with Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) out of the nation’s shores.

“So far, our Proceeds of Crimes Tracing, Recovery and Management tool has ensured that the corrupt are denied of the luxury of enjoying their loots. The Commission in this regard has in accordance with the recently passed Proceeds of Crime Act 2022 disposed of some of the moveable and immoveable proceeds of crime on which it secured final forfeiture.

“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility of all and not just of the anti-corruption and other law enforcement agencies. In this regard, we fight corruption as an existential threat to the stability of society and the peace and progress of society. There is no middle course or alternative we either deal with this malady or it will ultimately trigger a social crisis,” the ICPC boss said.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, commended the Commission for its unwavering dedication to its vital role as the apex body legally mandated to confront corruption and other related offences in Nigeria.

“The Commission’s accomplishments, including notable convictions across various sectors, have fostered a culture of accountability and integrity in our society.

“The ICPC’s forward-thinking initiatives, such as establishment anti-corruption club in schools and engaging young people through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), demonstrate its commitment to instilling values of transparency and honesty in our youth,” the Representative said.

Hon. Akiolu emphasized the need for more funding of the ICPC in order to support the war against corruption.

“It is crucial that we increase the appropriation for the ICPC, recognizing that adequate funding is indispensable in bolstering the Commission’s capacity to combat corruption comprehensively.

“By allocating the necessary resources, we can empower the ICPC to continue its invaluable work, fostering a more transparent and corruption-free Nigeria,” he recommended.

The memorable event featured goodwill messages by representatives of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, the Chief Judge of Ondo State and the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The ICPC’s Ondo State Office is the sixth prototype building to be commissioned since the inception of Professor Bolaji Owasanoye-led Board of the Commission in 2019.

The one-storey facility, which is located at GRA Block A, Plot 3C Oda Road, Akure, has two conference rooms, staff offices, interview rooms, detention facilities, library, store amongst others.

The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) of the Kano State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ibrahim Garba has called on Law Enforcement Agencies in the state to partner with one another in information and intelligence sharing in the conduct of their activities.

Mr. Garba, who was represented by Assistant Chief Superintendent, Public Enlightenment & Education, Dalhatu Bangaje, stated this while delivering a goodwill message at a one-day Anti-Corruption Symposium organised by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command.

The RACC commended the organizers for bringing stakeholders together, adding that ICPC will continue to partner and work assiduously with them all to eradicate corruption from all segments and sectors in the state.

In his keynote address, Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mahmoud Usaini Gumel, stated that corruption was a cancer, which eats up every fabric of the society, hindering developmental progress, distorting justice and undermining public trust. It was, therefore, our constitutional responsibility to ensure the total eradication of the menace from the society.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Executive Chairman of Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), Mr. Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, said that the essence of the gathering was to unite the law enforcement agencies in the fight against corruption in the state.

The newly appointed Secretary to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, Esq. has resumed office, taking over from Professor Musa Usman Abubakar.

In a brief handover ceremony witnessed by management staff of ICPC, Mr. Oparaodu expressed his appreciation to Professor Abubakar for facilitating a smooth transition and stated his desire to hit the ground running.

The new Secretary urged all staff to form a bond of cooperation and support in order to surmount challenges that may arise during the course of duty.

According to him, working in ICPC is a “national call that requires honesty, mutual respect and partnership to take the Commission to greater heights”.

In his speech at the occasion, the outgoing Secretary to the Commission, Professor Abubakar, congratulated the incoming Secretary on his appointment and presented a dossier containing his handover notes.

The erstwhile Secretary to ICPC urged the management staff to give the new man their full cooperation to ensure the success of the new administration.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a criminal charge against Professor Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), following the Commission’s conclusion of investigation into the Professor’s alleged gross misconducts against some of his students.

In the charge sheet number: FHC/ABJ/CR/511/2023, ICPC is arraigning the Senior Lecturer on a four (4) count charge bordering on sexual harassment, official corruption and abuse of office contrary to sections 8, 18 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

One of the counts read: “That you, Professor CYRIL OSIM NDIFON (m) between June-September, 2023 at Calabar, within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, and while being a public officer charged with responsibility for the certification of students as fit in learning and character as a prerequisite for the award of Bachelor’s degree in law and admission into the Nigeria Law School, used your office and position as the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar to gratify yourself by soliciting for nude photographs and videos from one Ms. ABC (not real name), a year 2 diploma student of the University of Calabar, through WhatsApp chats on your telephone number 0803*** and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under S. 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

Professor Ndifon would be arraigned in court on a date to be given by the court.

It would be recalled that ICPC, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) had on 4th of October, 2023 arrested Professor Ndifon in Calabar, Cross River State after shunning several invitations extended to him.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged students of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to be courageous and speak up against the menace of sexual harassment in their schools.

This charge was given during a one-day sensitization workshop on sexual harassment for Tertiary Education Institutions held at ICPC’s Anti-Corruption Academy (ACAN), Keffi, Nasarawa State.

ICPC Chairman, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR, who was represented at the workshop by the Commission’s Spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka C. Ogugua, stated that it was important to sensitize the students on how to mobilize their peers as educators against sexual harassment and on how to gather evidence in a way that will help ICPC investigations.

“Students need to know the avenues through which they can report issues of sexual harassment and how to get in touch with the Commission and how to gather evidence in such a way that would help ICPC investigation. Right now, the Commission has filed charges against a certain professor in University of Calabar for sexual harassment. This was possible due to the bravery of the students who reported it to ICPC”.

“We want those of you present to be courageous and speak up against this menace, and in this forum, you will be exposed to how you can do this. Be that friend that encourages others to speak up and provide support for your friends when they do. Do not join to mock and stigmatize victims”.

The ICPC boss stressed that the Commission in its resolve to put a stop to the incessant cases of sexual harassment created a Special Sexual Harassment Unit, adding that the Unit has so far carried out capacity-building for ICPC investigators and prosecutors, held sensitizations on the menace, and drafted a model anti-sexual harassment policy for institutions in collaboration with CSOs.

The workshop, which had students and lecturers drawn from Nasarawa State University, Keffi and Bingham University, Karu witnessed interactive sessions on different topics ranging from multi-dimensional implications of sexual harassment, model anti-sexual harassment policy for tertiary institutions and the role of educational institutions as partners in the fight against corruption, amongst others.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and stakeholders have called for improved living wage for public servants to ensure their commitment to service. 

The call was made at the 7^th National Policy Dialogue on “Living Wages and Corruption in Nigeria”, organized bythe Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the training arm of ICPC, in collaboration with Micheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies, with support from MacArthur Foundation. 

The event, which took place at the ICPC headquarters,and which was aimed at pushing for an enabling environment for Nigeria workers considering the prevalent economic realities, was declared opened by arepresentative of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment.

The keynote speaker, Professor Dafe Otobo, a retired professor of Industrial Relations, University of Lagos, Nigeria, in his presentation, stated that to effectively address living wages and corruption in Nigeria, it was important for government to focus on provision of basic amenities and enabling environment for its citizens.

According to him, “The issue of corruption in Nigeria runs deep, intertwining with various aspects of the society. The goal of living wage is to allow employees have enough income for an adequate standard of living.”

Prof. Otobo noted that the benefits of living wage would boost employee satisfaction and higher productivity. He, therefore, urged the federal and state governments to address living wage and provide a decent wage system in consonance with the economic realities.

“Basic amenities are a necessity, federal and state government should work towards providing better health services, good roads, good educational system and other basic amenities to make life better.” he added.

In his welcome remarks, Prof. Owasanoye underscored the importance of the theme, noting that the Policy Dialogue was not only timely but necessary looking at Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities which calls for urgent equitable living wage policy for the country. 

He revealed that a survey conducted by ICPC showed that there had been several minimum wage policies since 1981 but little or no attention had been paid to actual living wages for public servants. 

The outgoing ICPC boss explained that it had become necessary to take into cognizance the fact that the public service was the vehicle through which government at all levels delivered services to the people. Therefore, neglecting a fundamental aspect of public servants could result to corrupt practices in the service.

In his words, “This Policy Dialogue on Living Wages and Corruption becomes very necessary when we takecognizance of the fact that the public service is the vehicle through which government at all levels deliver a broad range of public goods and services to the people. Invariably, a corrupt public service inhibits the distribution and timely supply of these public goods and services in equal measure to every citizen, thereby marginalizing the weaker and more vulnerable segments of the nation’s population.’’

He recommended that all stakeholders develop and contribute a set of indicators relevant to the working conditions of public servants in order to enrich the national living wage policy document.

“Your contributions as key stakeholders, should be data-driven and should be based on scientific forecasts of likely economic changes in the near to long term, to properly guide policy direction and cost of living adjustments. This we hope, will reduce, and possibly eradicate, the frequent disputes between the government and its workforce, which mostly arise as a result of sudden economic shocks, or pressures from rent seekers”.

The ICPC boss noted that the outcome of the dialogue would enable the government to develop a balanced and applicable wage bill policy for the country.

Declaring the event open, the Hon. Minister of Labourand Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, who was represented by Alex Olebe, a director in the Ministry, described the dialogue as ‘apt and timely’. He went on to note that the dialogue was tasked at reducing corruption - a major challenges facing governments and policy makers in the country. 

The Hon. Minister stressed the need for an extensive deliberation on ways issues bordering on living wage could be handled in order to prevent corruption in and outside the workplace.

Lalong noted that the Federal Government was workingtowards making life more meaningful for workers and Nigerians in fulfilling its “Renewed Hope Agenda for Unity and Prosperity for all.” 

“I wish to state that the importance of a dialogue such as this cannot be over-emphasized because the task of reducing corruption has been one major challenge facing governments and policy makers either in the developed or developing countries across the world. As you are all aware, poor reward system contributes in sharp practices outside the existence of greed and need based corruptive tendencies by individuals” he said.

Earlier, delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman, National Salaries and Wages Commission Mr. Ekpo Ntanoted that the hallmark of good governance is payment of living wages by private and public sectors which remains one of the formidable tools needed to combat corruption.

Nta noted that with the current minimum wage being paid workers, so many Nigerians are condemned to poverty unless they have some other means of taking advantage of the system to corruptly empower themselves in other to augment their legitimate income.

“Considering the nexus between poverty occasioned by payment of a minimum wage that could not sustain the workers, a government desirous of stamping out graft must make haste to put in place machineries that would ensure that workers are paid sustainable salaries.” he said.

Also in his goodwill message, the President, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Engr, Festus Osifo, represented by Dr. Tommy Etim Okon, stressed that there was need for more action than promises because workers are getting more impatient due to hardship. 

Osifo said the workers are facing enormous pressures that are making life very difficult for them. He thereforehoped that the outcome of the discussion would aid government live up its promises and responsibility by ensuring the welfare of workers and Nigerians in general. 

The event, which also had goodwill messages fromNigeria Labour Congress, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, featured a robust panel discussion on Living Wages and Corruption in Nigeria moderated by Comrade Issa Aremu, mni. Panelists were Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General, Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Prof. Uchenna Uwaleke of Nasarawa State University, and Mr. Martins Oloja of Guardian Newspapers. 

The Vice Chancellor of University of Maiduguri in Borno State, Professor Aliyu Shugaba has stated that the management, staff and students of the University are committed to working with the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in achieving a university environment free from all vestiges of corruption.

Professor Shugaba, who disclosed this during the inauguration of the ACTU, recently organized by the Borno State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), stressed that the university community would continue to exploit the principles of transparent management provided by the Unit for the betterment of achieving a very clean university education.

The VC described ACTU as an in-house mechanism for corruption prevention and a veritable tool in the fight against corrupt practices and other related offences, thereby helping in improving the university’s performance and enhancing adherence to the tenets of accountability and transparency in its day-to-day businesses.

Shugaba utilised the opportunity given by the occasion to also call on the Unit members to work as a team to realise its mandate and he gave assurances of the university’s commitment to support ACTU; adding that it was ready to develop the ACTU’s capacity.

Delivering his address during the event, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) of ICPC Borno State office, Mr. Sakaba Ishaku, congratulated the newly inaugurated ACTU members and further asked them to see their appointment as a call to serve the people and complement the efforts of the ICPC in achieving a corruption-free Nigeria.

Mr Ishaku stated that ICPC and other anti-corruption agencies might not be everywhere to address prevalent acts of corruption; hence the call for public partnership; adding that ACTU members should live above board in the discharge of their assigned responsibilities.

Responding on behalf of other ACTU members, its Chairman, Professor Sule Tagi, thanked the Commission and the university management for finding them worthy of the noble task, and promised to be diligent and committed to the task ahead.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has lauded the achievements recorded by the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Marine and Blue Economy; and for excelling in the practice of integrity and ethical standards.

The commendation was given by the ICPC Acting Director of Systems Study and Review Department, Mr Obaniyi Clement, during a two-day sensitisation session on “Uprooting Corruption, Promoting Integrity and Ethics in Public Service”, organised by the ACTU of the Ministry, even as he recognised their achievements in making the Unit one of the best in the Country.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani stated that the “ACTU of the Ministry has been instrumental in the score and rating on the ICPC Annual Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard in 2021 and 2022. The Ministry was among the very first to introduce the new Performance Management System designed to ensure effective appraisal of staff performance.”

“Since 2020, the Ministry has consistently implemented its annual Ministerial Recognition Awards in honour of dedicated and deserving officers, who have exhibited excellence in the discharge of their duties, with the last edition recently held on Monday, 16 October 2023,” the Perm Sec added.

In her remarks, the Director of Special Duties of the Ministry, Mrs Vivian Nwosu stated that “The Ministry’s support to ACTU and its compliance rating is perceived as a testament to the management’s receptiveness to adopting practical initiatives in fighting corruption within the Ministry.”

The second day of the sensitisation featured peer review sessions which were attended by ACTU members of the Ministry and the agencies under its purview, such as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) amongst others.

The collaboration between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC) and various stakeholders has been crucial to the favourable outcome realised in the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTI).

This was stated by Mr Jimoh Sulahiman, Deputy Director, Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Division (CEPTD) in the ICPC, while delivering a goodwill message at a policy dialogue on parliamentary succession and constituency projects held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Jimoh noted that the sharing of information and data on abandoned or shoddily done projects between ICPC, BudgIT, and other stakeholders has been invaluable to the successes recorded with CEPTI.

He underlined the crucial role BudgIT has been playingas a member of the Project Steering Committee, which is saddled with the responsibility of selecting projects to be tracked nationwide.

The Deputy Director stated that the commitment of ICPC towards good governance necessitated the creation of CEPTI, whose major objectives include curbing corruption, guaranteeing value for money, recovery of public funds, and improving service delivery. 

He noted that the recovery of assets worth billions of naira and the return of various equipment to communities for whom they were originally meant, underscored the importance of the initiative, adding that the tracking should not be exclusive to ICPC, but rather a collective responsibility for every well-meaning citizen of Nigeria. 

According to Jimoh, “the fight against corruption cannot succeed without the full support, active participation and collaboration of key stakeholders and the society in general”.

He implored participants to pool efforts to monitor the implementation of government projects in their community to entrench transparency and accountability in all sectors of the country. 

On his part, the founder of OrderPaper Advocacy, Mr Oke Epia, stated that the policy dialogue was convened to discuss the policy framework surrounding issues of succession and continuity in the legislative sphere and how it affects the execution of projects across constituencies. 

He further stated that the dialogue was held to bring attention to the good work of certain members of the legislature who may be unfairly stereotyped due to the perceived inadequacies of their underperforming counterparts.

The policy dialogue, which was organised by OrderPaper Advocacy Initiative in conjunction with Budgit Foundation was declared open by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, represented by hisSpecial Assistant Media, Mr. Usman Mudashiru. 

The Deputy Senate President said the dialogue was crucial in helping the legislatures, CSOs, stakeholders and the electorate resolve the challenges that mitigate the seamless and appropriate execution of Zonal Intervention Projects in Nigeria. 

The Adamawa State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with NYSC Anti-Corruption Community Development Service (CDS) recently sensitised students of Aliyu Mustapha College, Yola, on the dangers of examination malpractices.

According to the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) Adamawa state, Barrister George Lawal “Cheating in examination undermines the integrity of the educational system and is capable of creating an unfair advantage to those who engage in it; and that is not limited to education, but also with far reaching consequences on society”.

Barrister Lawal stressed that the enlightenment programme was set out to educate students against examination vices and to guide them in developing relevant study skills for personal growth in line with aspirations.

The RACC further added that “Malpractice in the educational system would surely erode the quality and credibility of the education system. The sensitisation programme admonishes students and teachers not to engage in examination malpractice, as it could undermine the integrity of the educational system of the College”.

Ms. Faith Ayuba, the President of the Anti-Corruption CDS Group of Adamawa state, stated that barriers to learning could be surmounted in many ways, including good character traits, hard work, honesty and commitment to excellence.

In his remarks, the Vice Principal of the School Malam Adams Bello, thanked ICPC and encouraged all students to shun all evil and to achieve their dreams in education through integrity and character.

…warns against Acts of Electoral Corruption

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has deployed its operatives to monitor the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States scheduled for Saturday, 11th November 2023.

The Commission’s operatives have been deployed to the 56 Local Government Areas and 649 Wards to monitor and prevent vote buying and other electoral malpractices at the various polling units during the electoral exercise.

The monitoring exercise is a response to the invitation by the Chairman of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for ICPC to participate in ensuring that the electoral processes in these three states are free and fair.

While addressing operatives before their deployment, the Commission’s Head of Special Duty Division (SDD) Mr Alex Chukwura, fsi, called on operatives to collaborate with the Military, Police, Department of State Security (DSS), other security agencies, and INEC to ensure that the elections were conducted free and fair.

Mr Chukwura charged operatives to strictly adhere to the ICPC guidelines for monitoring elections, adding that officers should always act with discipline and imbibe the spirit of integrity while on the field, staying close to each other and working as a team to achieve the desired goal.

Furthermore, officers were advised to take necessary actions against perpetrators of any acts of corruption in accordance with the law, no matter their social status in the election processes.

Voters in the three states aforesaid are charged to go out on Election Day and perform their civic responsibilities while avoiding any act that could lead to electoral and other related offences.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged Nigerian leaders to shun every act of corruption and embrace uprightness in all their activities.

ICPC made this call at the “Do the Right Thing Summit 2023, themed “Being the Right Leader” which held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Conference Centre FCT, recently.

The Spokesperson of the ICPC, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua who spoke on the Commission’s behalf in her goodwill message, reiterated the commitment of ICPC to its three-pronged mandate of imposing sanctions against corrupt leaders, blocking loopholes in the public system to avert corruption and rallying Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders.

Mrs. Ogugua remarked that the future, hopes and aspirations of the nation, rested squarely on the shoulders of every leader, and emphasised the importance of having accountable individuals at the helm of affairs.

She commended the resourcefulness and passion of the organizers of the summit for what she described as a “desire to see a new and better Nigeria where discipline is upheld, and integrity is the watchword”. According to her, positive discourses like the summit are meant to inspire present and intending leaders to perform their duties with honesty.

She further noted that the Commission was steadfast in its purpose to work with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stake holders at ensuring that children and youths are sensitized on the dangers of corruption to make sure they do the right thing at all times.

The convener of the summit and founder of Do the Right Thing for the Less Privilege and Youth Foundation, Chief Mike Nwadiora, said the discourse was born from a commitment to foster positive change, equity and empowerment. He stated that the responsibility to create a just society, rests on the shoulders of leaders in every sector of the nation and it was important to imbibe the culture of ethical decisions and responsible actions.

Chief Nwadiora went further to say that the summit created a space for experts and change makers from various fields, to inspire transformation via thought provoking conversations.

He urged participants to engage in meaningful conversations that will foster ethical leadership through collective wisdom and a determination to do the right thing, while stressing that the “do the right thing” campaign should not just be a slogan, but a way of life that will help navigate the country in the right direction despite the challenges of present times.

Chief Mike advised participants to embrace diversity, as it is a treasure that promotes innovation. In his words, “when we stand together, the impossible becomes possible”.

The Summit was attended by leaders from various relevant sectors including religious, trade, safety, gender advocacy and transportation groups, as well as students and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have arrested 6 persons during the election exercise in Imo State.

The suspects were arrested at 7 polling units at Orji Mechanic Village (PU 008), Concord Hotel (PU 009), Rento Hotel (PU 010), Township School (PU 005, 007, 008) and Ojukwu Library, and a total of N4,101,750 was recovered from them.

Also recovered from one of the suspects was a notebook containing names and telephone numbers and from another, a long list with voters’ information.

All the suspects were taken into custody, profiled, and had their statements taken under caution.

They have since been released on bail even as investigations continue.

The outgoing Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR, has revealed that one of the biggest challenges faced by an Anti-Corruption fighter is identifying who to trust.

He stated this  at the Behaviour Change Conference and Exhibition 2023, organised by the Behaviour Change cohort  of MacArthur Foundation grantees in Abuja.

According to Prof. Owasanoye, leading an anti-corruption agency and effectively deploying the enforcement mandate and navigating through the criminal justice system was largely dependent on the number of critical stakeholders who were on your side. 

In his analogy, no matter how determined you are to pursue a corruption case to a logical conclusion, if the Investigator is corrupt, you cannot get good evidence, if the prosecutor is corrupt, you cannot get a good presentation of the case in court, if the judge is corrupt you cannot get justice, and if the correctional officer is corrupt, a sentenced person could actually serve his prison term from the comfort of his home. 

Prof. Owasanoye also pointed out that another major challenge was the social networks to which the head of an anti-corruption agency belong. He noted that, it had become the norm, within social networks, that the appointment of one of them meant opportunity for other members to enjoy preferential treatment. He observed that such expectations could always mount a lot of pressure on the anti-graft fighter.

He affirmed that it takes a very principled person to withstand the expectations and pressures posed by his social networks.

The Chairman noted that while change in behaviour was a Herculean task, it remained the most potent way by which afflictions of corruption could be reduced, making it possible for the ordinary Nigerian to have access to basic infrastructure.

The sterling leadership of Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, SAN, OFR as chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which began in 2019 has come to an end following President Bola Tinubu's approval of his request to proceed on pre-end of tenure leave.  

Prof. Owasanoye, SAN, OFR (middle) flanked by his wife, Mrs. Funsho Owasanoye (L) and Attorney–General and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (R)

A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Jigawa State, Dr. Musa Aliyu has been announced by President Tinubu to take over from Professor Owasanoye, whose tenure expires February 4, 2024.

While Professor Owasanoye was at the helm of affairs, ICPC recorded tremendous successes in strengthening the government's efforts to curb corruption by initiating many policies, initiatives, and programmes. He also introduced a lot of reforms that have transformed the Commission and re-positioned it to better fight corruption. 

To acknowledge his outstanding performance while in office, a group of friends and associates as well as senior members of staff of ICPC recently held a dinner for him at Ibeto Hotel, Abuja. 

Top on the list of those who attended the dinner included Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice; Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of National Industrial Court; Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, incoming ICPC Chairman; Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, President Nigeria Bar Association (NBA); Dr. Kole Shettima, Director, African Regional Office, MacArthur Foundation; Prof. Babatunde Babawale, Provost ACAN; and Ambassador Godwin Adama, former Consular General to Johannesburg. 

Others present were Sir Folu Olamiti, former Resident Consultant to ICPC; Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Chairman, ThisDay Editorial Board; Pastor Seyi Malomo former Chaplain, Aso Rock; Mr. Ade Ipaye, former Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, VP’s Office; Ambassador Adeyemi Dipeolu, former Special Adviser to the President, VP’s Office; Mr. Laolu Akande, former Senior Special Assistant, Media & Publicity to the President, VP’s Office, and many others.

Prof. Owasanoye in a handshake with Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, the incoming Chairman of ICPC, while the Secretary to the Commission, Mr.  Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu looks on 

It was a night to remember for Professor Owasanoye as he received a load of accolades from invited personalities in particular from honourable Minister, Lateef Fagbemi who said that “Professor Owasanoye came to ICPC, he saw and conquered. He is somebody you will know where he stands on any issue…he doesn’t know how to pretend”. 

“I owe him a personal gratitude. When I became the Attorney–General of the Federation, I looked around, how do I navigate this difficult terrain, especially with respect to anti-corruption matters? In the case of P&ID, I leveraged my relationship with Prof. (Owasanoye) and he gave me very useful advice. I went to Mr. President and said, this is the way I believe we should go.”

On his part, Justice Benedict Kanyip, President of the National Industrial Court said, “Our part crossed in 1995 when I joined the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and from the day one, I was calling him chairman. Little did I know that he would end up as chairman indeed…”

Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, President Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) (L); Dr. Kole Shettima, Director, African Regional Office, MacArthur Foundation (R)

In his response, Professor Owasanoye said “It is very physiologically, emotionally and physically draining when everyday, you have to decide whether someday should be arrested or not arrested, whether somebody should be investigated or not investigated, whether D'Ops (Director of Operations) should go and raid somebody's house at 2 am. It can be psychologically draining.

“I am very grateful to the government, and to the President for his indulgence and the support. I have had the opportunity to share my thoughts with him and the people very close to him. I do not doubt that Dr Aliyu can sustain the tempo. Dr Aliyu is a younger fit and meets the expectations that we all have”.

He extoled the staff of the Commission saying, “It is the celebration of the achievement of the staff who were told, 'this is the way to go', and they followed”.

A cross section of some staff of the Commission at the event

He said his leaving ICPC was an opportunity for him to continue to use his God-given talents for himself and humanity.

The Lagos State office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged staff of civilian personnel unit of the Ministry of Defence, Lagos, on the need to imbibe the culture of ethics and integrity as it will add better value to the organization.

Mrs. Florence Bariboloka, an Assistant Commissioner ICPC Lagos office, gave this charge while presenting a paper titled ‘’The Imperative of Behavior Change Approach to workplace Anti-Corruption Campaign’’ at a programme organized by the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Ministry.

She stated that integrity and ethics in the workplace bring organizational growth and efficiency, and thus admonished the staff to always imbibe strong ethical principles even in their homes as it will help in promoting ethical values and principles.

The Assistant Commissioner spoke about various strategies and approaches that can be deployed to promote ethics and integrity especially those that ICPC is involved in such as Constituency and Executives Projects Tracking Initiative, the deployment of the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard on MDAs, the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP), ethics training by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), public service Integrity Awards, amongst others, and advised them not to accept office corruption as a norm but instead be persons of integrity, honesty and truthfulness.

Earlier in her opening remarks, Mrs. Grace Friday, a member of Ministry of Defence ACTU, stated that the sensitization came as a result of the need to constantly enlighten its staff on the negative effects of corruption as well as to guide staff in its day-to-day ethical conduct within and outside the office environment.

She encouraged staff to be firm in the fight against corruption as it is the only way to overcome the menace.

Members of the Civilian Personnel Unit (CPU) of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo Barrack, Ibadan were recently sensitized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on “The Imperative of Behavior Change Approach to Workplace Anti-Corruption Campaign”.

At the event organized by the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Federal Ministry of Defence, the ICPC Oyo State Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) Mr. Lucky Erewa Esq. who was represented by Mr. Azeez Lawal, Assistant Commission, recognized and commended the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit for their contributions to the fight against corruption in spite of all odds.

He noted that ACTUs had been and will always be a vibrant tool of diminishing corruption in the workplace, and emphasized the need for the Army to continue to encourage members of their Civilian Personnel to always imbibe the spirit of integrity at all levels.

Mr. Lawal urged the Army personnel to always be committed to duty, disciplined, punctual in attendance, timely in assignments, diligent and that they should strive to add value to the organization.

He explained that practicing integrity will engender probity, accountability, due diligence, which will in turn lead the country towards a culture of zero tolerance for corruption in public institutions, minimize corrupt practices, while high ethical standard will engender public trust in government establishments.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Garba Ibrahim, the representative of the ACTU Chairman, expressed the commitment of his team to fully discharge the mandate given to them as ACTU members.

He also sought the support of members of staff of the organization in discharging their function and emphasized the need to address corrupt practices through behavior change.

Thereafter was an interactive session with the participants which provided the opportunity for the participants to ask questions.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has collaborated with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Centre for International private Enterprise (CIPE) to intensify the battle against corrupt practices in procurement processes and related dealings involving vendors and contractors at different levels.

The agencies jointly launched the Procurement Integrity and Transparency Training Partnership Initiative at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre recently.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary to the ICPC, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu Esq, stated that the engagement was necessary to reorient and empower vendors and contractors on business ethics in the conduct of their businesses to mitigate procurement corruption.

In his words, “This engagement is to sensitize and reorient business leaders/owners on business ethics and integrity in the operations of their business. It is also expected to help empower businesses to mitigate corruption risks and to further strengthen their activities.”

Oparaodu emphasized the need for due diligence in procurement processes in government institutions to curb corrupt practices and other breeding grounds for illegalities.

According to him, “Procurement processes in some MDAS have created a lot of avenues and breeding ground for corruption and corrupt practices from the beginning of the process to the end. Most times these processes are manipulated by some staff of the procuring entities in collusion with contractors for pecuniary benefits.”

He went further to explain that the launch would equip the participants with the best practices in tackling procurement fraud and incidences of abuse of procurement procedures and urged them to make the best use of the training in fighting corruption.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General, Gombe State Due Process Bureau, Mr. Babayola Mohammed Isa noted that the procurement process was expected to be free from any undue influence or personal gain, and pointed out that procurement and supply chain management contribution was very key and central to good governance especially in achieving efficient and quality service delivery to the citizenry.

“Today, I want to emphasize the importance of integrity and transparency in Procurement. These two principles should be the guiding force behind every decision made by public organizations and vendors. When we prioritize integrity, we ensure that the procurement process is free from any undue influence or personal gain. When we prioritize transparency, we ensure that every step of the Procurement process is visible, accountable, and open to public scrutiny.” he said.

In his welcome address, the Deputy President of the ACCI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba stated that the availability of international best practices and legal instruments does not mean that countries would implement these set guidelines to create a corruption- free environment.

He therefore proposed the continual engagement of vendors and contractors in the implementation of anti-corruption processes in procurement as solution for a corruption-free environment and the management of risk processes.

Adesugba charged private bodies to be transparent and accountable in their procurement process and show integrity in handling affairs in the private sector.

In her opening remarks, the Country Director of Center for International Private Enterprise, Mrs Lola Adekanye stated that the workshop would equip vendors and contractors with the international best practices, emphasizing that it was important for contractors and vendors to understand and protect themselves and their businesses against corrupt practices.

The formal launching of the Initiative was meant to lay foundation for nationwide awareness campaigns on integrity and transparency in procurement, and also marked the prelude to a comprehensive training on business ethics and Integrity workshop scheduled for ICPC vendors and contractors.

The event featured a robust panel discussion on procurement integrity moderated by Dr. Tinuke Temitope of ACCI. Panelists were Mr. Shintema Binga, Head of Procurement ICPC, Mr. Babayola M. Isa, Director-General Gombe Due Process Bureau, Mrs. Victoria Akai, Director-General ACCI, Friday Odey of Accountability Lab and Lola Adekanye, Country Director, CIPE.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged members of the public to hold their leaders accountable for their actions while in office because without accountability, corruption cannot be eradicated from the society.

The ICPC Spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, fnipr, stated this recently during the November edition of the Actualizing Behavioural Change (ABC) Knowledge Series with the theme, “Corrupt Behaviour in Nigeria’s Public Sector: Simplifying a Complex Phenomenon” organized by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) at Ibadan.

Quoting Robert Klitzgard’s formula which is “Corruption is equal to Discretion plus Monopoly minus Accountability (C=D+M-A)”, she asserted that there was need to hold leaders accountable for their actions and put proper mechanisms in place in order to have a Nigeria that will be free from corruption.

She went further to state that it was necessary to prevent corruption by conducting corruption risk assessments, which is a process of examining systems of organizations to check for areas of too much discretion and monopoly of power because such areas are prone to corruption.

In addition to these, organizations’ accountability mechanisms such as Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), increased supervision, etc. must also be firmly in place to check the gaps.

She also advised that opportunities for corruption should be minimised to reduce the incidences of corruption among individuals.

Asked how the government can improve the fight against corruption, the Spokesperson suggested that government must set a good example by obeying the laid down laws, rules and regulations, and must be seen to enforce these law impartially, adding that funding to anti-corruption agencies should also be improved, while communication with citizens should be frequent, open and sincere.

She thereafter urged the citizens to take full ownership of the fight against corruption guided by the anti-corruption agencies, admonishing that people should act with integrity and not engage in any form of corruption as the law is no respecter of anybody.

Also speaking at the event, President and Senior Researcher, Policy Dynamics Inc. Canada Dr. Ivan Taylor stated that corruption is an individual thing and public corruption is the most endemic in the nation at large.
He stressed the need to use system thinking approach to eradicate corruption in order to reduce the opportunities prone to corruption in public offices.

Mr. Barth Feese, Executive Director, People Centered Development Initiative (PCDI) while contributing at the event said that individualism has been identified as a major level of corruption, and weak institution can be a tonic to corruption.

He advised that strengthening of the institutions and empowering of citizens must be the top agenda of any government.

Before the discussion segment, a research paper titled “Corrupt Behaviour in Nigeria’s Public Sector: Simplifying a Complex Phenomenon” was presented by Dr. Iyabo Olanrele and Dr. Sebil Oshota, Research Fellows of Economic and Business Policy Department (EBPD), NISER, which presented their results from their work in trying to simplify the complex phenomenon of corruption by examining the various channels through which corrupt behaviours can be tracked and controlled in Nigeria.

In her opening remark, the Director General of NISER, Prof. Anthonia Taiye Simbine, who spoke via Zoom, welcomed everyone to the event and wished the participants a fruitful deliberation and discussion.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria not to be afraid of reporting issues of sexual harassments to the Commission.

The charge was given during a one-day sensitization workshop on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Education Institutions held at the ICPC’s headquarters on Wednesday.

In his welcome remark, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu noted that one of the major challenges militating the fight against sexual harassment in tertiary institutions was lack of reportage from victims due to fear of stigmatization or further victimization.

He said, “It is pertinent to note that unlawful benefits are not always pecuniary, and it is disheartening that sexual gratification has become a form of "illegal tender" in many institutions. Staff have been found to use their office to demand and receive sexual benefits from other staff and students in exchange for good grades or other favours. Unfortunately, due to the fear of stigmatization or further victimization, many targets of such demands find themselves forced to succumb, in order to avoid dire consequences and denial of benefits to which they may ordinarily even be entitled.”

Mr. Oparaodu added that the culture of silence had allowed sexual harassment to thrive, but that ICPC was working relentlessly to ensure that with sensitization and appropriate policy implementation, this culture would gradually change.

He stated further that the sensitization workshop was organised for staff and students to enable them to gain a proper understanding of the concept of sexual harassment and appreciate the enormity of the problem as well as to provide a platform for participants to understand the mandate of the ICPC in relation to abuse of office via sexual harassment.

While reeling out some of the initiatives ICPC had executed to tackle Sexual Harassment, Mr. Oparaodu stated that the Commission had developed two Model Policies for Basic Schools (Primary and Secondary Schools) and Tertiary Institutions.
“At the close of the Project early this year, the Commission undertook to continue the vision by ensuring that the Model Policies are approved by the relevant authorities, widely circulated and publicized. It is in line with that undertaking that a series of workshops commenced after approval of the Policies by the Federal Ministry of Education.
“A team was set up in the Commission called the Sexual Harassment and Abuse Response Team (SHART) to co-ordinate investigation, prosecution of cases and enlightenment activities on Sexual Harassment. vi. Several reports relating to Sexual Harassment have been received and investigated by the Commission and prosecution is being carried out in some notable and identified cases.” he said.

The workshop was attended by students and staff of University of Abuja and Federal College of Education, Zuba, Niger State.