Newspot Nigeria – Calabar
In a renewed push to enhance its operational efficiency and deepen its role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced its 2025 Management and Board Retreat in Calabar, Cross River State.
The two-day strategic retreat, which kicked off on Tuesday, April 29, was officially declared open by ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN. The event is expected to yield actionable resolutions that will reposition the Commission for stronger institutional effectiveness and impact in the anti-corruption fight.
Present at the retreat were high-profile dignitaries, including Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption; Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption (represented by Hon. Ifeanyi Mascot Ikwechegh); and the Attorney General of Cross River State, Hon. Ededem Charles Ani. ICPC board members and senior management personnel were also in attendance.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Aliyu described the retreat as an opportunity for sober reflection and forward planning, adding that it is designed to challenge the Commission’s leadership to think boldly, act decisively, and innovate proactively.
“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for transparency and accountability. His administration’s commitment continues to inspire the ICPC in the fulfillment of its duties,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
He noted that despite persistent institutional challenges, the Commission made substantial progress in 2024, and the retreat would focus on:
- Effectively utilizing the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022, especially in civil forfeiture and asset recovery;
- Strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms;
- Reviewing the Commission’s 2024 performance metrics;
- Enhancing synergy across departments and field offices;
- Implementing the Commission’s ICT roadmap for innovation.
Dr. Aliyu encouraged all participants to contribute constructively, emphasizing that the outcome must lead to measurable improvements.
“Let us respectfully challenge ourselves, propose bold ideas, and commit to action plans that will elevate our collective performance. Importantly, let our discussions lead not to mere reports, but to practical, measurable outcomes that strengthen our internal capacity and deepen the trust Nigerians place in us,” he added.
In a goodwill message, Senator Emmanuel Udende commended ICPC’s consistent performance in enforcement, public enlightenment, systems review, and asset recovery. He pledged ongoing legislative support, noting that the corruption landscape is becoming “more complex, more digital, and more embedded in governance structures.”
Hon. Ifeanyi Ikwechegh, representing the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, also expressed the National Assembly’s commitment to ensuring the Commission is legally and financially empowered to investigate, prosecute, and prevent corruption through public engagement and systemic reforms.
One of the highlights of the retreat was a keynote presentation by Honourable Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court, titled “Empowering the ICPC: Leveraging Civil Forfeiture and Asset Recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022.”
Other goodwill messages were delivered by the Attorney General of Cross River State, Hon. Ededem Charles Ani, and Hon. Justice Adamu Bello (Rtd), a member of the ICPC Board.
The retreat is scheduled to conclude with concrete resolutions to strengthen ICPC’s internal systems and enhance its contributions to Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
Below is the full statement released by the Commission:
INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES COMMISSION (ICPC)
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, 29th April 2025
ICPC Hosts 2025 Management Retreat in Calabar to Reposition Commission for Greater Efficiency
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced its 2025 Management and Board Retreat in Calabar, Cross River State. The retreat aims to reposition the Commission for enhanced effectiveness and strategic impact in the fight against corruption.
The two-day retreat, which began on Tuesday, was formally declared open by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN.
The event drew the participation of key stakeholders, including Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption; Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption (represented by Hon. Ifeanyi Mascot Ikwechegh); and the Attorney General of Cross River State, Hon. Ededem Charles Ani. ICPC board members and senior management officials were also in attendance.
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Aliyu underscored the retreat’s purpose as an opportunity to reflect on the Commission’s performance in the past year and to chart a forward-looking strategy for a more robust and impactful ICPC.
“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for transparency and accountability. His administration’s commitment continues to inspire the ICPC in the fulfillment of its duties,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
He noted that despite numerous challenges, the Commission recorded significant achievements in 2024, which serve as a testament to the power of collective commitment. The Chairman highlighted the retreat’s focus areas, including:
- Effective utilization of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022, particularly civil forfeiture and asset recovery;
- Strengthening transparency and accountability across operational areas;
- Reviewing the Commission’s 2024 performance;
- Enhancing synergy between departments and field offices to foster teamwork;
- Embracing innovation through the implementation of the Commission’s ICT roadmap.
Dr. Aliyu encouraged participants to engage with openness and creativity, urging them to propose bold ideas that can translate into measurable results.
“Let us respectfully challenge ourselves, propose bold ideas, and commit to action plans that will elevate our collective performance. Importantly, let our discussions lead not to mere reports, but to practical, measurable outcomes that strengthen our internal capacity and deepen the trust Nigerians place in us.
“I am confident that through our shared wisdom, passion, and commitment, this retreat will further position the ICPC as a vanguard of integrity, accountability, and excellence in Nigeria’s governance space,” he stressed.
Delivering a goodwill message, Senator Emmanuel Udende praised the ICPC’s sustained efforts in enforcement, system review, public enlightenment, and asset recovery.
He pledged continued legislative support to bolster the Commission’s capabilities in the face of evolving and increasingly complex corruption threats.
He also praised the ICPC for remaining a big force in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework, adding that the Commission’s achievements in its system study and review, public enlightenment, enforcement, and asset recovery have made measurable impacts.
“The ICPC remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. Your work in areas such as systems review, public enlightenment, enforcement, and asset recovery has made a measurable impact. However, we recognize that the challenge of corruption continues to evolve, becoming more complex, more digital, and more embedded in governance structures. That is why the Senate, through its legislative functions and oversight responsibilities, stands ready to support initiatives that strengthen your operational effectiveness and legal mandates”, he added.
Similarly, Hon. Ifeanyi Ikwechegh, representing the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to providing the necessary legal and financial frameworks to empower the Commission.
“We must ensure the ICPC is equipped not only to investigate and prosecute but also to prevent corruption through public engagement and institutional reforms,” he said.
A key highlight of the retreat was the lead paper presentation by Honourable Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court titled “Empowering the ICPC: Leveraging Civil Forfeiture and Asset Recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022.”
The event also featured goodwill messages from Hon. Ededem Charles Ani, Attorney General of Cross River State, and retired High Court Judge and ICPC Board Member, Hon. Justice Adamu Bello.
The 2025 ICPC Retreat is expected to conclude with actionable resolutions aimed at strengthening the Commission’s internal systems and enhancing its contribution to Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape.
Signed
Demola Bakare, fsi
Director, Public Enlightenment and Education / Spokesperson for the Commission
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