The chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called on the attorneys-general of Nigeria’s North-West zone to join forces with ICPC to enhance systems of accountability and transparency that benefit the public.
Dr Aliyu made this appeal on Monday during a conference with the state attorneys-general in the North-West zone, focused on strengthening ICPC’s capacity for preventing corruption.
The conference took place in Kano, Nigeria.
Aliyu reminded attendees of the Supreme Court’s judgement in AG Ondo State vs AG Federation & 35 Ors (2002), which emphasised the shared responsibility of both state and federal governments in combating corruption.
He stated, “This presents an opportunity to enhance our collaboration, ensuring that the systems we create are accountable and transparent.”
ICPC, he stated, is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption across all sectors of public service, adding that the support and local knowledge provided by the attorneys-general are crucial for making the fight against corruption more effective.
He described the gathering as vital as it unites key stakeholders at the subnational level to discuss the necessity of a united front against corruption.
The ICPC boss emphasised that addressing corruption is vital for the nation’s prosperity, asserting that no country can thrive where corruption is prevalent.
Dr. Aliyu referenced the 2023 report “Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends” by the National Bureau of Statistics and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, which indicates a significant prevalence of bribery in the North-West region.
This trend, he added, is consistent with findings across Nigeria, particularly within public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.
He urged stakeholders in the sector to continue encouraging the people of the North-West to resist demands for bribes, noting a positive development whereby 70 per cent of Nigerians approached for a bribe in 2023 refused to comply at least once.
Justice Dije Aboki, Chief Judge of Kano State, stated that the fight against corruption is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one, as corruption undermines governance, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust.
She commended the initiative to establish a community of attorneys-general, which promotes collaboration, shared learning, and the harmonisation of strategies across states. She stressed that no single institution can combat corruption in isolation.
Justice Aboki assured that the judiciary in Kano State remains a steadfast partner in this effort and is committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring that justice serves as both a shield for the innocent and a weapon against the corrupt.
She also urged lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Whistleblower Bill, which she said will further support the fight against corruption.
Mr. Uche Immanuel, the representative of RoLAC, stated that following discussions with the chairman of the commission, it was decided to focus on the North-West region as a starting point. He noted that the region is currently leading the charge in combating corruption and institutionalising systems for transparency and accountability.
Immanuel emphasised that RoLAC advocates for an inclusive approach to the fight against corruption, asserting that this is the only way to make a meaningful difference.
The conference, themed “Establishing a Community of Practice for Attorneys General,” was attended by attorneys-general from Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states, as well as chairmen of state anti-corruption commissions of Kano, Jigawa, Katsina and Kaduna states.
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