₦13bn diverted public funds recovered in September — ICPC Chairman

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Adamu Aliyu, has announced that over ₦13 billion in diverted public funds was recovered in September 2024.

Aliyu did not specify the sectors or individuals from whom the funds were recovered but highlighted that the anti-corruption agency has been working relentlessly to fulfil its mandate.

He made this statement during the launch of the commission’s 2024-2028 strategic action plan in Abuja on Tuesday.

Aliyu said, “Over the past year, the ICPC has made significant progress in discharging its mandate; for example, we recovered over ₦13 billion in diverted public funds in September 2024 alone. This is just one of the many ways we have worked tirelessly to fulfil our mandate.”

Aliyu also disclosed that plans are underway to digitalise the commission’s operations.

He added that this would enable more efficient investigations and case management, among other improvements.

“We are also embarking on ICT reforms that will digitalise our operations and enable more efficient investigations, case management, and internal processes. This transformation will position the commission as a leader in leveraging technology to combat corruption, keeping us one step ahead of criminal activities in the digital age,” he stated.

Aliyu further mentioned that a specialised curriculum is being developed to enhance the enforcement capacity of the commission’s personnel, equipping officers with the necessary skills to handle complex corruption cases with professionalism and efficiency.

He noted that the agency is working on decentralising anti-corruption efforts by empowering state governments through their Attorneys General, allowing for more effective corruption prevention at the local level.

“Additionally, we are decentralising the anti-corruption effort by empowering state governments through the mobilisation of State Attorneys General. This approach ensures that state governments are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources necessary to effectively combat corruption at the local level,” Aliyu added.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritises the fight against corruption.

He said, “The fight against corruption remains a cornerstone of this administration’s agenda, as we recognise that corruption is a cancer that eats away at the very fabric of our society. It undermines trust, weakens institutions, and hampers our progress as a nation.

“In this light, the work of the ICPC is of paramount importance, not only in ensuring that corrupt practices are identified and prosecuted but also in fostering a culture of integrity and accountability across all sectors.”

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, pledged the court’s support for the implementation of the ICPC’s action plan.

“Implementation and collaboration are vital. Corruption is not just about stealing money; it is failing to do what you ought to do. We are a great country. We will do what we can to support the ICPC in implementing the action plan,” she said.