NIGERIA: ICPC Tracked 1,500 Projects Worth N610billion In One Year – ICPC Chairman

By Munyal Manunyi 

In a significant progress toward tackling corruption in Nigeria, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) under the new leadership of the new chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, has tracked 1,500 projects worth N610billion in just one year.

Dr Aliyu who resumed office as ICPC Chairman in 2023 after being sworn in by Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, revealed during his one year anniversary in office witnessed by African Culture TV at the ICPC auditorium in Abuja, that some significant progress were made in tackling corruption under his tutelage as chairman.

He said: “The Commission just completed the tracking of 1,500 projects, valued at N610 billion, nationwide under CEPTI Phase 7. Upon completion of tracking field work last week, follow-up activities are ongoing and the report is being collated.”

The Chairman also noted that the Commission has also processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, with 95 fully investigated cases.

He highlighted that 72 cases were filed in court, and 16 convictions secured in just one year.

“In this regard, we are streamlining our processes to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of cases, leading to the resuscitation of 10-15-year-old cases in courts,” he said.

And as part of its commitment to institutional accountability, the Commission assessed 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

It also established 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) across MDAs to reinforce its anti-corruption efforts.

Dr Aliyu said: “While doing these, the Commission stopped the diversion of public funds to the tune of ₦5.882 billion.

“The report of the EICS exercise conducted in the middle of this year is ready and will also be released to the media and the public.”

Dr Aliyu further revealed that advanced fight against sexual harassment and corruption in educational institutions and public offices, achieving ongoing prosecutions and increased public support.

He explained that this progress has reduced stigmatisation, giving victims a voice to report and participate in efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

Speaking on public engagement and enlightenment, Aliyu said the Commission targeted diverse groups, including faith-based organisations, youth organisations, women organisations, community leaders, religious institutions and the school system.

Others are: Civil society organizations (CSOs), professional bodies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

He said: “ICPC conducted many public awareness activities and physically reached one million, four hundred and fifty-eight thousand and twenty-one (1,458,021) individuals in 2024.

“Also in the year, the Commission launched a new digital platform for promoting transparency and ethical practices among all Nigerians, the youth-driven Ethics Pod.

“Additionally, it revamped its weekly television program, Corruption Must Go, to align with modern viewership trends, re-branding it as Transparency Files to enhance public engagement and awareness.

“Our social media presence hits, and general engagement on digital platforms tripled over the year.”