How Corruption is Stifling Nigeria’s Economic Growth – ICPC Boss
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has said corruption is not merely a legal issue but a common enemy hindering national development.
He also said, it is a “cancer that erodes public trust, stifles economic growth, and perpetuates inequality.”
The ICPC boss spoke at a one-day Conference with over 30 State Attorneys-General in a bid to strengthen the Commission’s capacity for corruption prevention in Nigeria.
The Conference which had the theme, “Building A Unified Front Against Corruption In Nigeria” brought together many legal experts, and other strategic stakeholders in the fight against corruption.
According to the Chairman, fighting corruption to save Nigeria from the complex and longstanding threats to peace, good governance and socio-economic development is a collective responsibility.
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“The Commission put in place several initiatives like the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTU) in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), System Study and Review (SSR) on MDAs, Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) on MDAs, Ethics and Compliance Scorecard (ECS) for MDAs, Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation (CME), the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) with Non-Governmental Organizations, National Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools, developed the National Values Curriculum for schools in collaboration with the education sector, amongst many others.
“In December of 2016, the Federal Government designed a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) to be implemented from 2017-2022, which was later renewed as National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022-2026.
“The objectives were to enhance public participation in the fight against corruption, boost public confidence in the criminal justice system, align the interest of public and private institutions in adopting transparency and accountability, reorient citizens on the need to embrace integrity and patriotism as against the desire for personal gain and to prioritise the recovery and management of proceeds of crime.
“As part of our implementation strategy, we have invited you here today to examine our current justice system and develop effective strategies to enhance the ICPC’s capacity for preventive measures. I hope to also enhance synergy between State Attorneys General and State anti-corruption agencies now established nationwide with the ICPC to provide a suitable platform for an effective fight against corruption and a viable solution to Nigeria’s current socio-political problems.”
“I am confident that together, we can forge a unified front against this pervasive ill and create a brighter, more equitable future for all Nigerians,” she said.
