ICPC Chairman Stresses Data Protection as Core of Anti-Corruption Mandate
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has declared that responsible data handling is fundamental to the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate, emphasizing that public confidence depends not only on the agency’s ability to investigate and prosecute corruption cases but also on how well it protects personal information entrusted to it.
Dr. Aliyu made the remarks while declaring open a one-day sensitisation and awareness programme on data protection and privacy for officers and staff of the Commission at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja.
The programme, themed “Responsible Data Handling: Strengthening Accountability and Preserving Public Trust through Data Protection,” was organised to deepen awareness of proper data management and promote a stronger culture of accountability within the Commission.
Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Henry Emore, the ICPC Chairman noted that the Commission handles vast amounts of sensitive information relating to petitioners, suspects, witnesses, complainants, employees, contractors, consultants and members of the public in the course of carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
He stressed that every personal record in the Commission’s custody represents an individual’s dignity, privacy and trust, making it imperative for officers to ensure that such information is collected, processed, stored and shared lawfully, responsibly and securely.
According to him, while data has become a critical asset in modern governance by improving decision-making, service delivery and investigations, poor data management could expose individuals to harm, compromise investigations, weaken public confidence and damage institutional credibility.
Dr. Aliyu further stated that data protection is no longer solely the responsibility of ICT professionals or legal experts but an essential component of good governance, transparency, accountability and institutional integrity.
He urged officers to uphold integrity in every stage of handling personal information—from collection and access to use, disclosure, storage and disposal—adding that accountability, fairness, confidentiality and respect for individual rights must guide all operational activities within the Commission.
The Chairman also disclosed that the ICPC has strengthened its internal data protection governance through the establishment of the Data Protection and Incident Response Team (DPIRT). According to him, the team is tasked with identifying compliance gaps, promoting awareness, improving internal processes, strengthening incident response mechanisms and integrating privacy considerations into the Commission’s daily operations.
Earlier, the Commission’s Data Protection Officer, Barr. David Nwaze, described the sensitisation programme as a strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing the understanding that data protection is not only a legal requirement but also a professional responsibility and a shared institutional value.
He thanked the ICPC Chairman and the Commission’s management for their continued support in advancing data protection compliance and encouraged participants to actively engage in the training by asking questions, sharing experiences and applying the knowledge gained in their daily duties.
The event featured presentations by Mr. Inelegwu Egahi on “Responsible Data Handling: Strengthening Accountability and Preserving Public Trust through Data Protection,” and by Nigeria Data Protection Commission official, Barr. Babatunde Bamigboye, on “The ICPC–NDPC Collaboration: Leveraging ICPC’s Institutional Mandate to Strengthen Data Protection Compliance in the Public Sector.”
