Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has revealed that 70% of Nigerians declined bribery offers at least once in 2023. The announcement was made during a conference with State Attorneys-General from Nigeria’s North-West region in Kano.
The conference, themed “Establishing a Community of Practice for Attorneys-General,” focused on fostering collaboration to strengthen anti-corruption efforts. Dr. Aliyu emphasized that tackling corruption requires joint efforts across all tiers and arms of government.
“No single arm of government or agency can fight corruption alone. We must collaborate locally, regionally, and internationally to establish systems of accountability and transparency in our country,” he said.
According to Dr. Aliyu, the North-West recorded a 76% bribery resistance rate—the highest among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. He urged the region’s Attorneys-General to continue encouraging citizens to reject bribery and partner with the ICPC in building transparent governance systems.
“This progress is encouraging, but more work is needed. We must continue to enlist public support in combating corruption while using our enforcement powers and preventive measures,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
Kano’s Chief Judge, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, praised the ICPC’s focus on preventive measures, describing them as essential for addressing the root causes of corruption. She highlighted initiatives within the Kano State Judiciary, such as the Judicial Public Complaints Committee (JPCC), which investigates allegations of misconduct and abuse of power.
“Prevention aligns with the Judiciary’s role in interpreting laws that not only punish but also deter corruption. The initiative to establish a community of practice among Attorneys-General fosters collaboration and harmonizes anti-corruption strategies across states,” Justice Aboki remarked.
The event featured contributions from key figures, including:
- Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau.
- Justice Muhammad Lawal Shu’aibu, Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division.
- Attorneys-General from Sokoto, Kano, Zamfara, Kaduna, and other states.
Dr. Aliyu reiterated the importance of collective action in achieving long-term success against corruption. He assured attendees that the ICPC would remain committed to leveraging its powers and mobilizing public support within legal frameworks.
This conference serves as a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, reinforcing the need for unity among stakeholders in ensuring a transparent and accountable society.
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