The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed its achievements and challenges in the fight against corruption.
This information was contained in a press statement released on Friday and signed by Demola Bakare, spokesperson for the Commission.
According to the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, the Commission received 2,038 petitions, secured 31 convictions, and recovered assets/cash worth N105.82 billion between 2023 and 2024.
Dr. Aliyu made this known while hosting members of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, led by its Chairman, Honourable Prince Kayode Moshood Akiolu.
The ICPC Chairman stated that the Commission received 1,187 petitions in 2023 and 851 petitions from January to October 2024. He also noted that the Commission secured 18 convictions in 2023 and 13 convictions in 2024.
“The Commission received 1,187 petitions in 2023. From January to October 2024, the Commission received 851 petitions. In 2023, it secured 18 convictions, while in 2024, it secured 13 convictions. The asset/cash recovered was 76.75 billion in 2023, while in 2024, ICPC recovered 29.07 billion”, the statement quoted the Chairman of the commission.
The ICPC Chairman also highlighted the Commission’s international collaborations, including leading the Nigerian team to the Globe Network meeting, where it secured a seat in the steering committee alongside other nations.
He noted that he was elected as the Chairman of the African Asset Recovery Practitioners’ Forum (AARP-F) earlier in November.
However, Dr. Aliyu explained that the Commission faces challenges, including inadequate budgetary provisions.
He urged the National Assembly to advocate for funds to support the Commission’s work. He also called for reviews of the ICPC Act to enhance its operations.
In addition, the ICPC Chairman called on the lawmakers to address the issue of overlapping duties among agencies and to facilitate access to the 2% of every recovery made, as stipulated by the Proceed of Crime Act.
“There is 2% of what we recover which we are entitled to, we cannot get that 2% without your input because the President has the power to approve but it must be ratified by the national assembly.”, he pleaded.
In response, Honourable Prince Kayode Moshood Akiolu commended the ICPC for its achievements and congratulated the Chairman on his international recognition.
He assured the Commission of the Committee’s support in its fight against corruption.
