By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reinforced its dedication to entrenching integrity at grassroots governance in Lagos State, Nigeria.
This disclosure was made during a high-level courtesy engagement between the ICPC and the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr Alexander Chukwurah, FSI, noted that local governments remain a strategic priority for anti-corruption because they are the closest democratic tier to citizens. He reiterated that corruption prevention remains the most cost-efficient means of tackling graft and promoting ethical systems.
He further pointed to the Accountability and Corruption Prevention in Local Governments initiative, tagged ACCP-LG, as a flagship project for sensitisation, awareness-building, and integrity system reform within local government operations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Kikelomo Bolarinwa, reaffirmed long-existing institutional ties with the Commission, highlighting that accountability and transparency are embedded values within the Ministry’s culture. She confirmed readiness for deeper cooperation to scale anti-corruption literacy across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Mr Bolaji Kayode Robert, also stressed that corruption-risk education must focus on the grassroots, especially within Lagos’ traditional administrative zones: Ikeja, Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Central, and Epe. He commended the ICPC, pledging the Ministry’s full support for continued collaboration.
Following the visit, stakeholders note that the partnership signals stronger institutional alignment between the ICPC and local governance structures in Lagos State.
The press release was endorsed by J. Okor Odey, ANIPR, spokesperson for the Commission.
PRESS RELEASE
Saturday 29th November, 2025
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reinforced its commitment to strengthening integrity at the grassroots level during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
Speaking during the visit, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr Alexander Chukwurah, FSI, explained that the Commission strategically engages key stakeholders, with the local government system being a top priority as the tier of government closest to the people.
Mr. Chukwurah emphasised that prevention is the most cost-effective approach to tackling corruption, underscoring the need for continuous engagement and sensitisation. He highlighted the Commission’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention in Local Governments (ACCP-LG) initiative, which is designed to raise awareness and strengthen integrity systems within local government operations.
“The ICPC’s mandates, Enforcement, Prevention, and Public Education, are all designed to influence behavioural change,” he stated, acknowledging the Commission’s message is “often unpopular because it challenges entrenched norms and traditions.” He stressed that a constant interface with local governments is crucial for reducing corruption risks and promoting ethical conduct.
In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, described ICPC as “a strategic partner and an integral part of the Ministry’s success story.” She emphasised accountability and transparency are core values of the Ministry and expressed readiness for deeper collaboration to sensitise staff across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
In his response, the Honourable Commissioner, Bolaji Kayode Robert, commended the ICPC for prioritising preventive strategies. He noted that grassroots-level sensitisation is essential given Lagos State’s division into five traditional administrative zones: Ikeja, Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Central, and Epe. He assured the Commission of the Ministry’s full support to deepen collaboration and expand anti-corruption awareness across all local government structures.
The visit marks a significant step in the ICPC’s ongoing efforts to build institutional partnerships that promote integrity, transparency, and accountability at the grassroots level of governance.
Signed
J. Okor Odey, ANIPR
Spokesperson for the Commission
