ICPC Chairman Calls for United Front to Strengthen Integrity and Intensify Anti-Corruption Efforts Across Africa

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, anti-corruption agencies, civil society, the private sector, the media and citizens to promote integrity and reinforce anti-corruption efforts across Africa.

Speaking during the commemoration of the African Union Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja, the ICPC Chairman stressed that sustainable development, democratic governance and economic prosperity can only thrive where transparency, accountability and ethical leadership are upheld.

Key Takeaways 

ICPC is advocating stronger collaboration among governments, institutions, civil society, the private sector, the media and citizens to strengthen integrity across Africa.

A 2025 Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC) study found that 80% of respondents across 14 African countries believe corruption occurs frequently, highlighting persistent governance challenges.

The Commission says prevention, enforcement and public education remain the three pillars of Nigeria's anti-corruption strategy.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reforms, transparency, digital governance and stronger inter-agency cooperation to curb corruption.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that promoting integrity requires collective action rather than relying solely on anti-corruption agencies.

Delivering a goodwill message at the African Union Anti-Corruption Day celebration held at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja, Dr. Aliyu said this year's theme, "Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa," reflects the continent's shared commitment to building stronger institutions founded on integrity and the rule of law.

He cited findings from the 2025 Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC) study, which revealed that 80 percent of respondents across fourteen African countries believe corruption occurs always or often, while lack of integrity remains one of the leading drivers of corrupt practices.

Dr. Aliyu said the findings reinforce the urgent need for governments and institutions to strengthen integrity systems through preventive measures, public education and institutional reforms rather than relying solely on enforcement.

He explained that the ICPC continues to pursue its mandate through a combination of prevention, enforcement and public enlightenment while working closely with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other stakeholders to improve institutional accountability and reduce opportunities for corruption.

The ICPC Chairman also highlighted several youth-focused initiatives, including the NYSC Anti-Corruption Lectures, Integrity Clubs in secondary schools, and partnerships with universities and the Nigerian Law School to integrate integrity education into academic programmes.

According to him, these programmes align with the CAACC report, which identified civic education, awareness campaigns and school-based integrity clubs among the most effective long-term strategies for preventing corruption.

Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Mrs. Gladys Odegbaro, described corruption as a major obstacle to development, noting that it deprives governments of resources needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education, food security and social welfare.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening institutions, improving transparency, modernising the justice system, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and deploying technology to reduce opportunities for corruption in public service delivery.

Earlier, the Head of the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), Mrs. Jane Onwumere, said the annual commemoration provides an opportunity for governments and stakeholders across Africa to renew their commitment to promoting integrity and strengthening accountability systems.

The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Public Complaints Commission (PCC), Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), as well as panel discussions and presentations on whistleblower and witness protection reforms.

"According to ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, promoting integrity is "an evidence-based imperative" following findings that corruption remains widespread across many African countries.

According to Dr. Musa Aliyu, the ICPC continues to strengthen anti-corruption efforts through prevention, enforcement, institutional reforms and public education.

According to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, represented by Mrs. Gladys Odegbaro, integrity remains the foundation of good governance and public confidence in government institutions.

According to Mrs. Jane Onwumere, Head of TUGAR, promoting integrity requires collective action from governments, institutions, civil society and citizens across Africa."

Corruption continues to affect economic growth, public service delivery, investment, infrastructure development and citizens' trust in government. Strengthening integrity systems and promoting accountability can improve governance, encourage transparency and support sustainable development across Africa.

For citizens, the renewed focus on integrity means greater emphasis on transparency, ethical leadership and institutional accountability. Public education, whistleblower protection, civic participation and stronger oversight mechanisms can help reduce corruption while improving confidence in government institutions.

The ICPC's continued investment in integrity education among students and young professionals also highlights the importance of nurturing future generations committed to ethical leadership and responsible public service.

African Union Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated annually to mark the adoption of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, encouraging member states to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, promote integrity and improve accountability across public and private sectors.

Nigeria continues to implement anti-corruption reforms through institutions such as the ICPC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and other oversight agencies.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊 𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

Fighting corruption extends beyond investigating and prosecuting offenders. Sustainable progress depends on building institutions where integrity becomes a shared value across government, businesses, schools and communities. While enforcement remains necessary to deter misconduct, long-term success is more likely when preventive measures, such as ethics education, transparent public administration, digital service delivery and stronger accountability systems are integrated into everyday governance.

The emphasis on youth-focused programmes, institutional reforms and public awareness reflects a growing recognition that integrity must be cultivated early rather than enforced only after corruption has occurred. Investing in values-based education, strengthening oversight institutions and encouraging active citizen participation can gradually reduce opportunities for corruption while improving public confidence in government.

For African economies seeking greater investment, stronger institutions and sustainable development, integrity is increasingly becoming an economic asset as much as a governance principle. Transparent institutions help attract investors, improve the efficient use of public resources and strengthen the credibility of public policies. As governments continue to modernise public services through technology and institutional reforms, maintaining political will, consistent implementation and independent oversight will remain critical to ensuring that anti-corruption efforts produce measurable and lasting results.