In a significant milestone marking his first year in office, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), highlighted the agency’s achievements in combating corruption. Speaking at an event in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Aliyu attributed these successes to strict adherence to the rule of law, innovative digital strategies, and the Commission’s anti-corruption framework encapsulated in the acronym “CARE.”
“We have made modest progress and overcome challenges by enhancing our tools, approaches, and engagements,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
Among the Commission’s achievements are notable asset recoveries and initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. Through its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), the ICPC monitored 1,500 projects nationwide, valued at ₦610 billion, ensuring government funds were utilized effectively for the benefit of citizens.
Dr. Aliyu reported the following financial recoveries over the past year:
- ₦29.7 billion in cash recovered and housed in ICPC recovery accounts.
- ₦10.986 billion VAT remitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
- ₦10 billion COVID-19 vaccine funds returned to the national treasury.
- ₦2.5 billion in assets recovered through final forfeiture orders.
- $966,900.83 in foreign currency secured in the ICPC-CBN account.
The Commission also stopped the diversion of public funds amounting to ₦5.882 billion.
In terms of legal actions, the ICPC processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, 95 fully investigated, and 72 cases filed in court. Sixteen convictions were secured, and older cases, dating back 10-15 years, were revived for prosecution.
Furthering institutional accountability, the Commission evaluated 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) using its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) and established 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) across MDAs.
Dr. Aliyu underscored the Commission’s commitment to transparency and good governance, stating, “These accomplishments reflect the dedication of the current administration to the anti-corruption agenda and the Commission’s ability to adapt to emerging trends.”
As the ICPC continues its mission, Nigerians are hopeful for sustained progress in fostering transparency and reducing corruption across all sectors.
