The fight against corruption in Nigeria received a call to action as the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu emphasized the need for preventive measures to be adopted across all sectors to effectively combat corruption.
According to ICPC Spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, Dr Aliyu made this call during a courtesy visit by the American Business Council (ABC) to the ICPC headquarters on Wednesday.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, Dr. Aliyu underscored the importance of preventive methods in the fight against corruption, highlighting the preventive aspect of the Commission’s mandate. He noted that the ICPC, through its Public Enlightenment and Education Department, has established Schools Anti-Corruption Clubs (SACs) to educate the younger generation about the perils of corruption and to garner their support in the fight against it.
Addressing the challenges hindering progress in the fight against corruption, including greed, poverty, and abuse of office, Dr. Aliyu emphasized the personal responsibility of all Nigerians in combating corruption to enhance economic development. He said, “The fight against corruption cannot be done by the anti-graft agencies alone.”
CEO/Executive Secretary of ABC, Mrs. Margaret Olele, who led the delegation explained that the purpose of their visit is to propose a potential partnership in the Private Sector Development for Democracy Forum (PSDDF).
Country Director of Development Activities International (DAI) and a Steering Committee member of PSDDF, Dr. Joe Abah, elaborated on the forum’s objectives, which include addressing corruption, strengthening democracy, and promoting capacity building and civic education.
In alignment with the sentiment of collaboration, Country Director of the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), Mrs. Lola Adekanye, expressed optimism about partnering with ICPC to reshape structures and norms enabling corruption.
In response, the Secretary to the Commission affirmed ICPC’s readiness to collaborate with ABC to significantly reduce corruption and enhance economic development.
