The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, has disclosed that the commission recovered more than ₦20 billion in cash and assets from corrupt individuals in 2024.
Aliyu made this known in Ilorin, Kwara State, during the North-Central Zonal Conference of State Attorneys-General, held under the theme: “Strengthening Subnational Synergies for Corruption Prevention: Advancing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Nigeria’s North Central Region.”
Speaking at the event, the ICPC chief emphasized that corruption is not limited to federal institutions but is also deeply rooted within subnational structures, making coordinated prevention efforts crucial.
“Prevention is less costly and more effective than prosecution,” Aliyu said. “Once corruption takes place, recovering stolen assets becomes a long and complicated process due to delays in judicial proceedings.”
He further explained that the commission is focused on ensuring that recovered assets, especially those traced outside the continent, are not re-looted after repatriation. He stressed that consistent monitoring, reassessment, and enforcement are key to sustaining progress in the anti-corruption fight.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Bello, described corruption as a major hindrance to national development. He called for stronger anti-corruption frameworks at state levels, noting that improved accountability will bolster governance and rebuild public trust.
Dr. Bello also revealed that the bureau is developing an online asset declaration system to streamline compliance by public officers and enhance transparency.
Kwara State’s Attorney-General, Senior Sulyman, praised the ICPC’s effort and reiterated the state government’s commitment to a corruption-free administration. He emphasized the importance of coordinated responses among states to strengthen national efforts.
Lawmakers at the conference echoed similar sentiments. Hon. Kayode Akiolu, Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, blamed widespread corruption for Nigeria’s underdevelopment and pledged continued legislative backing for anti-graft agencies. Senator Emmanuel Udende, head of the Senate’s Anti-Corruption Committee, urged state attorneys-general to take a more prominent role in justice administration and anti-corruption enforcement.
Kwara State Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Adebara, added that anti-corruption measures should prioritize prevention over punishment. “Corruption threatens the rule of law; our strategy must include public awareness, systemic reform, and collaboration,” he said.
The conference was attended by top judicial and legal officials from across the North-Central states, including Attorneys-General from Kogi, Niger, Plateau, and Nasarawa.
