In a significant development, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), disclosed that the commission recovered over N20 billion in 2024. This sum was siphoned through fraudulent ghost workers’ pension schemes within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu made this revelation during the “Editors’ Breakfast Meeting with ICPC Chairman,” a media engagement event held in Abuja. He explained that the ICPC’s preventive activities led to the uncovering of “fraudulent insertion” of ghost workers into the payroll of various MDAs.
ICPC’s Strategic Communication in Anti-Corruption Fight
The ICPC Chairman emphasized that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and cannot be solely carried out by anti-graft agencies. He called for the collaboration of all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, and the media, to combat corruption effectively.
Dr. Aliyu further explained that the commission’s activities are guided by the 1999 Constitution and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, which ensure that suspects’ rights are protected while the commission diligently upholds the rule of law and human dignity. He highlighted that the commission is committed to responsible information dissemination, especially in protecting informants and maintaining the integrity of investigations.
Protecting Informants and Upholding Integrity
Dr. Aliyu also reiterated the importance of safeguarding the identities of informants, noting that the commission shares verified information through its reports, newsletters, press releases, website, and social media platforms, while ensuring the confidentiality of whistleblowers. He stressed that ICPC is not seeking public validation but focused on achieving measurable results as outlined in its Strategic Action Plan for 2024-2028.
“We want our performance to be judged based on the results we deliver, not on public attention or approval,” the chairman stated.
Collaboration with Civil Society for Corruption Prevention
In line with its efforts to prevent corruption, the ICPC is collaborating with reputable civil society organizations to launch a Corruption Prevention Program targeting local governments. This initiative aims to promote transparency and proactive disclosure of financial and procurement-related information at the grassroots level.
Media’s Role in Anti-Corruption Advocacy
Recognizing the media’s crucial role in the fight against corruption, Dr. Aliyu called on journalists to work closely with the ICPC to raise public awareness and amplify the commission’s programs. The Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, commended the ICPC for the initiative, while Mrs. Hussaina Banshika, Deputy Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), urged the ICPC to institutionalize regular media engagements for better synergy in the anti-corruption fight.
Dr. Aliyu’s remarks underscore the ongoing efforts by the ICPC to combat corruption, safeguard public resources, and promote transparency at all levels of government. The commission’s work continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, with a focus on both enforcement and prevention to foster national progress.
