The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has presented the Commission’s performance scorecard over the past year to the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes.
Aliyu who delivered the report during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee, highlighted the Commission’s achievements in the fight against corruption.
While reeling out recoveries of assets and cash within the period, Aliyu said, “In 2023, the ICPC received 1,187 petitions, assigned 275 cases for investigation, filed 63 cases in court, and secured 18 convictions.
“From January to October 2024, we received 851 petitions, assigned 243 cases, and secured 13 convictions.”
Discussing the challenges facing the Commission, Aliyu identified inadequate funding as a major constraint, impacting the Commission’s ability to pursue investigations, legal proceedings, and public education efforts effectively.
The ICPC chairman also highlighted legislative limitations requiring amendments to the ICPC Act, along with staffing and welfare needs, as areas in urgent need of attention.
He said, “Our work requires diverse expertise, from forensic analysis to psychology, yet rising living costs make it increasingly difficult to maintain high morale among staff. Reviewing salaries and welfare benefits is essential for sustainable productivity.
“Additionally, ICPC personnel face security risks, especially during high-stakes investigations, making it critical to provide them with adequate security measures similar to those granted to other agencies.
“Currently, we have 21 state offices, but they are severely understaffed and under-resourced, which affects our efficiency nationwide,” he explained.
Aliyu further noted the slow pace of court processes as a significant challenge, hampering the swift resolution of corruption cases and undermining public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
The ICPC boss also explained the difficulties posed by cases involving politically exposed persons, where external influences can challenge the impartiality and integrity of investigations.
He also alluded to the fact that the ICPC made recoveries as contained in the report submitted to the visiting NASS members, and that the Commission is making impact for the country at international levels, citing elections into vital organs of GloBE Network and AARP-F.
Despite the challenges, Aliyu reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to its anti-corruption mandate, emphasizing the need for continuous legislative and financial support to achieve sustainable progress.
“We urge you to consider the Commission’s requests for adequate funding to strengthen operational resources. Such support will enable us to pursue a more effective, inclusive, and resilient fight against corruption in Nigeria,” he concluded.
In response, Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, commended the ICPC for its professionalism in the fight against corruption.
ICPC presents annual scorecard to Senate, identifies challenges