Fighting Corruption Requires Collective Action, Not Anti-Graft Agencies Alone – ICPC Chairman
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has said that the fight against corruption in Nigeria cannot be won by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing the need for broad collaboration among government institutions, civil society, the private sector, the media, academia, and citizens.
Aliyu made the assertion in an address delivered on his behalf by Prince Hassan Mohammed, Director of the Special Services Department, at the International Conference on Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Integrity in Governance held at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Welcoming participants to the conference, the ICPC chairman expressed appreciation to development partners, government representatives, academics, researchers, students, private-sector stakeholders, media professionals, and anti-corruption advocates for their commitment to advancing transparency and accountability in governance.
According to him, the absence of integrity and ethical compliance remains at the heart of many of Nigeria’s developmental and governance challenges.
“It is an acknowledged fact that lack of integrity and failure in ethical compliance is at the center of most of the challenges our country is facing today,” he said.
Aliyu emphasized that tackling corruption requires a whole-of-society approach involving public institutions, professional bodies, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, the private sector, and ordinary citizens.
“The fight against corruption cannot be won by anti-graft agencies alone. It requires collective action and strong partnerships among all stakeholders,” he stated.
The ICPC chairman described the conference theme, “Strengthening Integrity Systems for Sustainable Development and Public Trust in Nigeria,” as timely and relevant, particularly at a period when the country faces the challenge of addressing systemic corruption.
He noted that the conference was designed to promote scholarly and policy discussions on anti-corruption strategies, facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices, generate evidence-based solutions, strengthen partnerships among stakeholders, and advance practical recommendations for improving transparency, integrity, and accountability in governance.
According to him, these objectives align closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Aliyu urged participants to engage actively in discussions and contribute innovative ideas capable of strengthening institutional integrity and public confidence in governance.
“I encourage all participants to engage in robust discussions, share innovative ideas, and develop practical recommendations that can strengthen institutional integrity in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He expressed confidence that collaboration, innovation, and sustained commitment would help deepen public trust and build a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous nation.
The ICPC chairman also commended the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria for its commitment to promoting good governance through research, capacity building, and training initiatives aimed at strengthening integrity systems across the country.
He concluded by formally declaring the conference open and wished participants fruitful deliberations throughout the event.
The conference brought together policymakers, anti-corruption experts, academics, researchers, civil society organizations, development partners, and students to explore practical solutions for enhancing transparency, accountability, and ethical governance in Nigeria.
