ICPC Presents Achievements and Challenges To House of Representatives Committee On Anti-Corruption

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, reported that between 2023 and 2024, the Commission received 2,038 petitions, secured 31 convictions, and recovered assets and cash worth 105.82 billion.

Dr Aliyu made these disclosures while hosting members of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, led by its Chairman, Honorable Prince Kayode Moshood Akiolu, during an oversight visit to the Commission.

He stated that the Commission received 1,187 petitions in 2023 and 851 petitions from January to October 2024. In 2023, we secured 18 convictions, while in 2024, we secured 13. The assets and cash recovered in 2023 amounted to 76.75 billion, while for 2024, the recovery was 29.07 billion.

Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders, noting that the Commission worked together with other anti-corruption agencies and relevant organizations in the fight against corruption.

On the international front, he mentioned that the ICPC led the Nigerian team at the Globe Network meeting, securing a position on the steering committee alongside representatives from Spain, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and other nations.

In addition, he shared that he was elected as the Chairman of the African Asset Recovery Practitioners’ Forum (AARP-F) in early November.

However, he pointed out that the Commission cannot fully execute its mandate without adequate budgetary provisions, emphasizing that only the National Assembly has the authority to advocate for funds to support the Commission’s efforts.

Dr Aliyu stressed the need for legislative support to ensure increased budgets and reviews of the ICPC Act to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness. He urged the lawmakers to address overlapping responsibilities among agencies and informed them that, since the Proceeds of Crime Act was passed, the Commission has not had access to the 2% of every recovery as stipulated by law.

He stated, “We are entitled to 2% of what we recover, but we cannot access that without your input, as the President must approve it, and that must be ratified by the National Assembly.”

The ICPC Chairman also highlighted the importance of staff welfare, saying, “You cannot fight corruption when those who are the foot soldiers face crises in taking care of themselves and their families; it poses a risk to the Commission.”

In response, Honorable Prince Kayode Moshood Akiolu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, commended the ICPC for its achievements and congratulated Dr. Aliyu on his international recognition.

He explained that the visit was part of the legislators’ strategic duties as the nation prepares for the 2025 budget presentation. He noted that the ICPC’s approach to combating corruption—focusing on prevention rather than prosecution—was commendable, highlighting the Commission’s efforts in creating awareness.

During the oversight visit, he also inquired about the conditions of the detention cells, including how long suspects are held before their court appearance and the living conditions within those facilities.

The Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, expressed gratitude to the delegation for their visit and encouraged continued support for the Commission.