ICPC Conference: Nigeria Needs Stronger Integrity Systems to Rebuild Public Trust – ACAN Provost
Keffi, Nasarawa State- The Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, has called for stronger integrity systems and greater transparency in governance, describing corruption as a major driver of underdevelopment, insecurity, poverty, and declining public trust in Nigeria.
Professor Ibrahim made the remarks during his opening address at the 2nd International Conference on Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Integrity in Governance, held at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The conference was hosted by the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN.
The conference, themed “Strengthening Integrity Systems for Sustainable Development and Public Trust in Nigeria,” brought together anti-corruption experts, academics, legal practitioners, investigators, security personnel, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
In his address, the ACAN Provost said the theme was carefully selected to address the pressing governance and development challenges facing Nigeria and other African countries.
According to him, the lack of transparency and integrity in governance has contributed significantly to the continent’s developmental setbacks.
Highlighting the scale of the challenge, Ibrahim cited a comparison between electricity consumption in New York City and Sub-Saharan Africa, noting that a city of about 20 million people consumes more electricity than hundreds of millions of people across the African continent.
He described the situation as a stark reminder of the developmental deficits confronting Africa and emphasized the need for accountable leadership and effective institutions.
The professor also expressed concern over youth unemployment in Nigeria, noting that millions of young people remain without jobs. He argued that strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity in public institutions is essential to rebuilding hope and restoring confidence among citizens.
“Corruption has contributed significantly to underdevelopment, insecurity, poverty, and other social challenges confronting our society today,” he said.
Professor Ibrahim urged participants at the conference to engage in meaningful discussions and produce practical recommendations that could help strengthen governance systems and curb corruption.
He said the gathering was intended to generate intellectual engagement, policy recommendations, and innovative solutions to the barriers hindering transparency and integrity in public institutions.
Addressing the participants, who included investigators, academics, legal practitioners, and professionals from diverse fields, he stressed that Nigeria and Africa were looking to them for practical strategies to promote integrity and sustainable development.
He commended attendees for their commitment to research and national development, assuring them that their contributions would be recognized as part of ongoing efforts to advance good governance and national progress.
The conference is expected to produce policy recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and public trust in governance across Nigeria.
