Scorecard: Recovers ₦29Bn, Tracked N610Bn Projects, Retrieved $966,900.83 in One Year
By Omonu YG Nelson
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, has marked his one year in office, highlighting the Commission’s achievements in the fight against corruption.
Aliyu stated this on Tuesday, December 17, when he marked his one year in office.
In his speech, Aliyu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Commission.
“We have made significant progress in the past year, and I am proud to reflect on the modest progress we have made and the challenges we have overcome so far,” Aliyu said. “With a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the ICPC has achieved significant milestones, including notable asset recoveries, enforcement actions, and initiatives promoting transparency and good governance.”
The Commission’s efforts in asset recovery have been particularly noteworthy, with the recovery of ₦29.700 billion in cash, domiciled in ICPC recovery accounts, and the retrieval of $966,900.83 in foreign currency. These recoveries are a testament to the Commission’s dedication to tracing and recovering stolen assets, and its commitment to ensuring that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable.
In addition to its work in asset recovery, the Commission has also made significant strides in project tracking. The Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) Phase 7, which was recently completed, involved the tracking of 1,500 projects, valued at N610 billion, nationwide. This initiative is part of the Commission’s efforts to ensure that government funds are being used effectively and efficiently, and that citizens are receiving the benefits of democracy.
The Commission has also placed a strong emphasis on training and capacity building, recognizing that a well-trained and equipped workforce is essential to its success. In the past year, the Commission has developed specialized cadets officers training curriculum and conducted 28 training sessions, engaging 2,153 participants. These training sessions have helped to enhance the skills and knowledge of Commission staff, and have equipped them with the tools they need to effectively combat corruption.
Furthermore, the Commission has made significant progress in its efforts to combat sexual harassment and corruption in educational institutions and public offices. The Commission’s anti-sexual harassment efforts have achieved ongoing prosecutions and increased public support, and have helped to create a safer and more respectful environment for students and workers.
The Commission’s Systems Study and Review (SSR) initiative has also been a key area of focus in the past year. The SSR involves the assessment of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS), and the establishment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) across MDAs. This initiative is designed to help prevent corruption and promote transparency and accountability in government institutions.
In addition to its internal initiatives, the Commission has also collaborated with other agencies and organizations to combat corruption. The Commission has worked closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Ministry of Interior, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, among others, to share intelligence and best practices, and to coordinate efforts to combat corruption.
As the Commission looks to the future, Aliyu emphasized the need to improve efficiency, enhance public engagement, strengthen institutional frameworks, and apply technology to combat corruption. “Our strategy will neither be controversial nor adversarial, but will actively dispossess the corrupt of their illegal wealth and fraudulent assets for public use to discourage and diminish corruption,” he said.
Aliyu thanked the staff of the Commission, partners, and the Nigerian public for their support and cooperation. “Together, we can co-create a corruption-free Nigeria!” he exclaimed.
The keynote speech was delivered by the Commissioner of Anti-Corruption of Sierra Leone Commission, Francis Ben Kaifala ESQ, while the Chairman of Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo and others delivered goodwill messages.