…says anti-graft agencies alone can’t defeat corruption
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), on Wednesday, bemoaned the absence of transparency in public governance, saying the development has denied Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan nations the long-anticipated rapid growth and development.
It drew parallels between the American State of New York, and Sub-Saharan Africa, saying the former, with a population of 20 million, “enjoys more electricity than the790 plus million people of the latter.
Specifically, the anti-corruption commission highlighted the need for whole-of-stakeholders’ efforts in the fight against graft, saying relevant agencies of government alone could not win the ongoing war.
Chairman of ICPC, Musa Aliyu (SAN), and Provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, made the submissions on Wednesday at a 3-day international conference on Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Integrity in Governance, held at the training institute in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The programme brought together development partners, representatives of government institutions, academia, researchers, students, the private sector, the media, and all anti-corruption advocates.
Among others, presentations centred on issues that are central to Nigeria’s development and democratic future, with transparency, accountability and integrity in governance.
“It is an acknowledged fact that lack of integrity and failure in ethical compliance is at the centre of most of the challenges our country is facing today.
“It must also be understood that the fight against corruption cannot be won by anti-graft agencies alone.
“It requires collective action and strong partnerships among public institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, professional bodies, faith-based organisations, the media, academia, and citizens”, the ICPC chair stated.
This argument was accentuated by the ACAN boss, who referenced the 2025 youth unemployment in the country as a direct consequence of corruption.
His words, “It is due to lack of integrity, and transparency in governance today that 20 million people of New York enjoy more electricity than the790 plus million people of Sub-Saharan Africa.
“In 2025, the Nigerian Youth Report suggested that 80 million youths are jobless in the country, which also suggests strengthening of transparency and integrity. In governance, and to rebuild hope and public trust among Nigerians.
“These are just a few of what corruption entails, apart from insecurity and other social vices.”
