The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Musa Aliyu, has announced that 70 percent of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply.
Aliyu made this statement in Kano on Monday during the ICPC roundtable with state attorneys-general from the North-West region, aimed at strengthening the commission’s capacity to prevent corruption.
According to Aliyu, the ‘2023 Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends’ report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) highlighted the persistence of bribery, particularly in the North-West region, but also showed signs of growing resistance to such practices. He noted that bribery is most prevalent in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.
Aliyu highlighted a significant trend in the North-West, where 76 percent of individuals who were approached for a bribe resisted, the highest refusal rate across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. This, he said, indicates an encouraging shift in attitudes toward corruption, with more Nigerians standing firm against bribery.
The ICPC Chairman also emphasized the shared responsibility of both state and federal governments in tackling corruption. He called for greater collaboration between the ICPC and state attorneys-general to fortify systems of accountability and transparency. Aliyu pointed out that while the ICPC is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption across all sectors, local knowledge and support from attorneys-general are essential for more effective efforts.
Aliyu concluded by reiterating the importance of encouraging citizens to continue resisting bribery, as part of the broader fight against corruption. He reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to using its law enforcement powers and preventive measures, while emphasizing the role of collaboration, as outlined in pillar five of Nigeria’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS II).
