…NASS urged to pass Whistleblower Bill
In an effort to promote a whole-of-society approach to tackling corruption, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on media executives to remain steadfast in exposing graft.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), made the appeal during a breakfast meeting with editors and media executives in Lagos on Thursday.
“The media is not merely an observer; you are a frontline partner in this fight. Over the years, ICPC has adopted a strategic communication approach in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 27(4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
“These laws ensure the protection of suspects’ rights. While remaining strict, diligent, and stern in our actions, ICPC will remain resolute in propagating the rule of law and protecting human dignity.
“Additionally, the ICPC prioritises the protection of whistleblowers and the integrity of investigations. Transparency is a cornerstone of our work, and we will continue to provide verified information through official channels, including press releases, newsletters, and our digital platforms…”
Continuing Aliyu said the ICPC has continued to strengthen its partnership with credible Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in implementing activities and initiatives, particularly the Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments, which aims to ensure proactive disclosure of information relevant to finances, procurement, and corruption prevention mechanisms.
“In my one year in office, the Commission has made significant continental and international strides. In September 2024, I had the privilege of leading the ICPC delegation to the Fifth Plenary of the GlobE Network in Beijing, China, where Nigeria secured a seat on the Steering Committee.
“Additionally, in November, I was honoured to be elected as the interim Chair of the African Assets Recovery Practitioners Forum in Arusha, Tanzania—another milestone in our relentless pursuit of accountability beyond our borders.
“Dear friends, corruption thrives in silence, but your voices can shatter that silence. Your role in shaping public perception and holding institutions accountable cannot be overstated.
“The more Nigerians see, read, and hear about the fight against corruption, the stronger our collective resolve becomes. Our mission to diminish corrupt practices through our public mobilisation, our doggedness, and our law-abiding operational strategies remains strong and unwavering. We look forward to deepening our existing relationship as you support us with positive media amplifications of our successes.
According to the ICPC boss, they were committed to tracking constituency and executive projects to discourage the practice of abandoned projects after contracts have been approved and funds released.
He also assured that the commission would enforce all judgements by the Supreme Court, noting the challenges being faced in recovering proceeds of corruption especially outside Africa.
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Aliyu said: “Asset recovery outside the country has been a big challenge. When you trace properties and movable assets to some countries outside of Africa, the laws in those countries make it difficult for you to recover them. In some countries, you have to get experts who charge very high fees.
“However, African nations are meeting with a view to chart easy ways of retrieving proceeds of corruption starched in other continents. We are looking inwards and collaborating in that regard.”
Aliyu appealed to the National Assembly to quicken the passage of the Whistleblower Bill to boost the anti-graft war. He noted that with such laws, there would be protection for whistleblowers, anti-corruption agents and everyone who provides vital information to boost the war.
On bank executives aiding corrupt individuals in the country to move looted funds, Aliyu said: “We are focusing on bank MDs who are siding corrupt people syphoning money outside of the country. We are not making this public because we don’t want to destabilize the financial sector,” he said.
Speaking on the accountability and corruption prevention programme for local governments launched last week, Aliyu said it would tackle systemic corruption and promote transparency at the grassroots level across the country.
He lamented the persistent embezzlement, nepotism, contract inflation, and resource misallocation that have plagued the local government system.
“Systemic corruption undermines the effectiveness of local government functions, leading to inefficiencies, misallocation of resources, and eroded public trust.
“The lack of transparency and accountability further exacerbates these challenges, creating an enabling environment for corrupt practices,” he said.
Aliyu emphasized the need to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks as part of comprehensive strategies to improve governance at the local level.
“These strategies include enhancing financial autonomy, professionalizing local government services, encouraging citizen participation, strengthening institutional mechanisms, and enforcing existing anti-corruption laws,” he said.
According to him, a collective commitment to the anti-corruption fights with all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the international community was a must if Nigeria is to reduce the menace of corruption and other social vices in the country.
In his remarks, the President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba, advised the ICPC to beam its searchlight on the judiciary and the bar, describing them as main culprits hindering the fight against corruption.
Anaba made reference to some scandalous judgements delivered by some judges and lawyers filing frivolous applications to stall trial in corruption cases.
Anaba commended the ICPC boss for interfacing with media executives and seeking their partnership in curbing graft in the country.