By Miriam Humbe
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Wednesday, officially launched its Strategic Action Plan for 2024-2028 as well as its foremost digital media Podcast programme called Ethicspod.
The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) were supporting partners for the launch.
Humsimedia Online gathered that the Action Plan 2024-2028 was the first of its kind by any anti-corruption body in West Africa.
It was also revealed that the launch of the Strategic Action Plan marked the commencement of a new five-year roadmap following the successful implementation of the 2019-2023 plan.
Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, welcomed the participants.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of collective action in the fight against corruption.
He said: “Your presence today underscores your dedication to this vital partnership; the fight against corruption cannot be won by any single institution alone.”
The ICPC Chairman told his guests about the Commission’s recent achievements which included the recovery of over N13 billion in diverted public funds in the month of September 2024 alone.
On the Commission’s digital transformation efforts, Dr. Aliyu said: “We are embarking on ICT reforms that will digitalise our operations and enable more efficient investigations.”
The event featured prominent government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of Nigeria, Senator George Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu.
Other notable attendees included the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiotu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Yusuf Tuggar, EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede and President of the Appeal Court Hon. Justice Monica Dangban-Mensem, members of the diplomatic corps among others.
The strategic planning began in 2004, and with each five-year plan, the Commission assesses its current standing, sets goals, prioritizes initiatives, and allocates resources to achieve its objectives.
The EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede harped on the need to effectively implement the strategic plan.
He said that all staff of ICPC must be committed to the cause and assured that the EFCC would fully back the ICPC in the Strategic Plan’s implementation and fight against corruption.
Chairman, House Committee on Anti corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiotu assured that the leadership of the National Assembly was fully in support of measures aimed at stemming corruption.
Hon Akiotu said: “On behalf of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker, House of Reps, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, we at NASS are ready to put heads together to ensure that Nigeria is corruption free.”
Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi also stressed the need for implementation.
He said: “As Attorney General of the Federation, I assure you that I will work with you to ensure that the objectives of the action plan are adequately implemented.
He commended the leadership of the ICPC for their diligence and commitment and called on all to imbibe the core values of accountability to win the war on corruption.
President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dangban-Mensem, said that planning alone was not enough and harped on implementation and collaboration as very vital in achieving the strategic planning.
