The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Adamu Aliyu has announced the recovery of over ₦13 billion in diverted public funds during September 2024, highlighting the agency’s ongoing commitment to combating corruption.
This statement was made during the launch of the commission’s strategic action plan for 2024-2028 in Abuja on Tuesday.
Aliyu did not disclose specific sectors or individuals linked to the recovered funds but emphasized the ICPC’s relentless efforts to fulfill its mandate. “Over the past year, the ICPC has made significant progress; the recovery of over ₦13 billion in September alone illustrates our tireless work,” he stated.
The chairman also revealed plans to digitalize the commission’s operations, aiming to enhance the efficiency of investigations, case management, and overall internal processes. “This transformation will position the commission as a leader in leveraging technology to combat corruption, keeping us one step ahead of criminal activities in the digital age,” Aliyu noted.
He announced the development of a specialized curriculum to strengthen the enforcement capacity of ICPC personnel, ensuring that officers are well-equipped to handle complex corruption cases with professionalism. In a bid to decentralize anti-corruption efforts, Aliyu highlighted the initiative to empower state governments through their Attorneys General, enabling more effective prevention of corruption at the local level.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize the fight against corruption. He remarked, “Corruption is a cancer that erodes the very fabric of our society. The ICPC’s work is crucial in identifying and prosecuting corrupt practices while fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.”
President of the Court of Appeal Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, pledged the court’s support for the ICPC’s action plan, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the fight against corruption. “Implementation and collaboration are vital. Corruption is not just about stealing money; it is failing to do what you ought to do. We will do what we can to support the ICPC in implementing the action plan,” she stated.
