European Union, IDEA, Others Push to Bolster ICPC Capacity to Fight Corruption in Nigeria

Chinedu Eze

A high-level conference aimed at bolstering the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) capacity for corruption prevention was held recently in Kano State where participants brainstormed on how to effective stem corrupt practices in Nigeria.  

The event, organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in collaboration with the ICPC and supported by the European Union Funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, was brought together key stakeholders from government, anti-corruption agencies, and the private sector.

The conference served as a platform to discuss innovative strategies and foster partnerships to enhance the ICPC’s institutional framework in addressing corruption. Discussions focused on sustainable approaches to reducing corruption while improving transparency and accountability in governance.

Member of Nigeria Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Lawal Shuaibu formally opened the event with a strong message emphasizing the need for synergy among anti-corruption agencies.

 “Fighting corruption is not a one-man battle; it requires a collective and collaborative effort,” he declared. Justice Shuaibu highlighted the multifaceted nature of corruption and called for innovative approaches to tackle its challenges.

He addressed key issues, including the misuse of ex parte orders by judges to impede the work of anti-corruption agencies, which he described as a significant obstacle. “Such actions make the war against corruption more arduous and undermine the fight for accountability,” he stated. He urged public servants to prioritize integrity and the public interest in their duties, emphasizing that eliminating dishonesty within institutions is essential for fostering a corruption-free society.

In his keynote address, the Project Manager, Anti-Corruption of the RoLAC Programme, Dr. Emmanuel Uche, delivered an impactful speech on leveraging technology and community engagement to combat corruption.

“The fight against corruption is not a romance; it is a battle that demands every resource we can muster,” Dr. Uche declared.

Dr. Uche highlighted the transformative potential of technology in enhancing transparency and monitoring public funds. He stressed that integrating community-driven efforts into anti-corruption initiatives fosters accountability at all levels of governance. His address reinforced the need for strategic, resource-intensive efforts that combine technological innovations with grassroots engagement to develop long-term solutions to corruption.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to intensify efforts in the fight against corruption. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovative strategies, and the implementation of preventive measures to ensure transparent and accountable governance in Nigeria.

This event underscored the critical role of partnerships and institutional reform in addressing corruption, positioning the ICPC and its allies as key drivers in the pursuit of a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.