ICPC Seeks Stronger Partnership to Promote Integrity, Strengthen Anti-Corruption Drive Across Africa
By Chizoba Njaka
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has on July 12, urged governments, anti‑corruption agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, the media and citizens to deepen collaboration in promoting integrity and strengthening anti‑corruption efforts across Africa.
Dr. Aliyu made the call in a goodwill message delivered at the commemoration of the African Union (AU) Anti‑Corruption Day at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The event, organised under the theme “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti‑Corruption Actions Across Africa”, brings together stakeholders to renew commitments to the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.
The ICPC Chairman said the theme reflects Africa’s collective determination to build a continent where integrity, transparency, accountability and the rule of law form the foundation for sustainable development, democratic governance and economic growth. He cited findings from the 2025 Commonwealth Africa Anti‑Corruption Centre (CAACC) study, which revealed that 80 per cent of respondents across 14 African countries believe corruption occurs “always” or “often”, while lack of integrity remains one of the leading causes of corruption.
He noted that the ICPC continues to fulfil its mandate through prevention, enforcement and public education, working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders to strengthen institutional integrity and eliminate opportunities for corruption. He further highlighted youth‑focused initiatives such as National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) anti‑corruption lectures, Integrity Clubs in secondary schools, and partnerships with the Nigerian Law School and universities to incorporate anti‑corruption education into legal training.
These measures align with the CAACC study, which identified public education, awareness campaigns and school anti‑corruption clubs as some of the most effective preventive strategies. Dr. Aliyu said the Commission remains committed to expanding such initiatives to build a culture of integrity among young Nigerians.
In the keynote address, the Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by the Director of the Solicitors Department, Mrs. Gladys Odegbaro, described corruption as a major obstacle to development. He said it deprives governments of resources needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education, food security and social protection, while weakening democratic institutions, fuelling insecurity and eroding public trust.
He added that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains committed to strengthening public institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, improving inter‑agency collaboration, modernising the criminal justice system and deploying technology to reduce opportunities for corruption in public service delivery.
Earlier, the Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti‑Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), Mrs. Jane Onwumere, said the annual commemoration marks the adoption of the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and offers a platform for stakeholders to renew their commitment to strengthening integrity and improving lives across Nigeria and the continent.
She noted that this year’s theme highlights the shared responsibility of governments, anti‑corruption agencies, institutions and citizens in promoting integrity through strong institutions and effective accountability mechanisms.
The event featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), the Rule of Law and Anti‑Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and other organisations.
Highlights included a panel discussion on “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti‑Corruption Actions Across Africa” and a paper presentation titled “The Whistleblower and Witness Protection Bill: Where Are We?” delivered by the Executive Director of the African Parliamentarians Against Corruption (APNAC), Mr. Ashley Emenike.