By Miriam Humbe
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has revealed that the commission recovered over N20 billion siphoned through fraudulent ghost workers’ pension schemes in 2024.
Demola Bakare, the Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/
Spokesperson for the Commission disclosed this in a statement signed on Thursday.
Dr. Aliyu said that the ICPC uncovered the fraudulent insertion of workers in some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of its preventive activities.
The ICPC Chairman made this disclosure during the “Editors’ Breakfast Meeting with ICPC Chairman,” an interactive session organized by the ICPC for media executives, in Abuja.
He emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot be waged by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing the need for collective efforts to drive national progress. Highlights of the Chairman’s briefing include but are not limited to the following areas.
Commitment to Due Process and the Rule of Law:
According to Dr. Aliyu, the ICPC has adopted a strategic communication approach in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
This ensures that while the Commission remains strict and diligent in its operations, it upholds the rule of law and human dignity.
“Over the years, ICPC has followed a communication strategy guided by Section 36 and Section 27(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
“These legal provisions safeguard suspects’ rights. While we remain firm and meticulous in our duties, we are equally committed to upholding the rule of law and human dignity,” he stated.
Dr. Aliyu also underscored the importance of responsible information dissemination, particularly in safeguarding informants and preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations.
“In matters of enforcement, we share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media. However, we ensure that the identities of informants are protected and that the integrity of our investigations is not compromised,” he added.
Strategic Action Plan and Media Engagement:
The ICPC Chairman noted that the Commission is not seeking public validation but rather remains focused on delivering measurable results based on its Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028).
“We want our work to be evaluated based on our performance standards, not the need for attention or approval. Our commitment is to provide accurate information without exaggeration or self-promotion. Additionally, we pledge to respond promptly to media inquiries while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines,” he affirmed.
Dr. Aliyu further disclosed that the ICPC is collaborating with reputable civil society organizations to implement a Corruption Prevention Program for Local Governments.
The initiative aims to promote proactive disclosure of financial, procurement, and corruption-related information at the grassroots level.
Call for Media Collaboration:
Recognizing the media as a vital stakeholder in the anti-corruption fight, Dr. Aliyu urged journalists to work closely with the ICPC to enhance public awareness and amplify the commission’s programs.
In his opening remarks, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, a lecturer in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Bayero University, Kano, and a vice president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), commended the ICPC for the initiative, stressed the need for his colleagues to support the Commission’s mission by reporting credible and timely information.
Similarly, Mrs. Hussaina Banshika, mni, Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), expressed gratitude for the engagement.
She urged the ICPC Chairman to institutionalize regular interactions with the media to foster greater synergy and collaboration in the fight against corruption.
