ICPC Chairman Emphasizes Collective Action as Key to Fighting Corruption and Recovering Assets

ICPC Chairman Emphasizes Collective Action as Key to Fighting Corruption and Recovering Assets

By Demola Bakare

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called for stronger collaborative efforts among anti-corruption agencies and stakeholders to effectively combat corruption and recover stolen assets within and beyond Africa.

Dr. Aliyu made this assertion on Tuesday while speaking at a public dialogue themed “An Assessment of Nigeria’s Asset Recovery Regime,” organised by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI) at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

Emphasizing the importance of synergy among anti-corruption bodies, Dr. Aliyu stated, “There is a need for Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs) to deepen synergies. At the regional level, we should also come together to ensure that we recover assets beyond the African region.”

He further noted that “It is the collective decisions of stakeholders that will ensure that the continent’s assets—whether from Nigeria, Ghana, or The Gambia—are traced and recovered, regardless of where they are hidden.”

The ICPC Chairman highlighted the Commission’s efforts in asset recovery, noting that the agency is actively aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, stressing that “One of the key pillars of this strategy is the recovery and effective management of proceeds of crime.”

In addition to asset recovery, Dr. Aliyu stressed the significance of preventive measures in curbing corruption and encouraged stakeholders to adopt due diligence and prioritize prevention in their anti-corruption strategies.

“We must pay attention to prevention, because no single agency can fight corruption alone. Once we are not working in synergy, we give those who engage in corruption the opportunity to continue operating and destabilizing our country and the continent.”, he added.

Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the ICPC’s readiness to partner with other agencies as well as media organisations, to overcome challenges and enhance the fight against corruption, stating that “We must strengthen our activities so that we can work together to identify proceeds of crime and manage them effectively in the national interest,”.

Also speaking at the event, Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), highlighted the significance of the programme in advancing the collective mission of promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria.

In his welcome address, Dr. Yakubu stated that asset recovery is not solely a legal or financial issue, but one that directly impacts national development and the trust between government and citizens. “Illicitly acquired assets, whether stashed away in foreign lands or concealed within our borders, represent resources that could have been invested in vital sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare,” he said. “Their recovery is therefore not just about reclaiming stolen wealth, but about reclaiming opportunities for a better future for all Nigerians.”

Dr. Yakubu further emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach in reforming Nigeria’s asset recovery efforts. “Our aim is to collectively assess the current state of Nigeria’s asset recovery regime, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and collaboratively explore innovative and effective strategies for improvement,” he explained.

“We believe that a robust and efficient asset recovery regime is indispensable for deterring corruption, ensuring accountability for illicit enrichment, and fostering a culture of integrity in both the public and private sectors.”, he concluded.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations, and the media, united in their shared commitment to advancing the fight against corruption and strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery regime.