The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has called for an aggressive move by all the anti-corruption agencies and stakeholders to effectively combat corruption and recover stolen assets within and beyond Africa.
Dr. Aliyu, at a public dialogue today , May 20 themed: “An Assessment of Nigeria’s Asset Recovery Regime,” organised by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI) in Abuj, stressed the importance of synergy among anti-corruption bodies.
“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.
“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 said that the Commission had made a lot of efforts in asset recovery, saying that it is actively aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
“One of the key pillars of this strategy is the recovery and effective management of proceeds of crime.”
Dr. Aliyu stressed the importance of preventive measures in curbing corruption, encouraging 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. “If 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.”
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.
“We must strengthen our activities so that we can work together to identify proceeds of crime and manage them effectively in the national interest.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI), Dr. Umar Yakubu, said that the programme is aimed at advancing the collective mission of promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in Nigeria.
Dr. Yakubu said that asset recovery is not only 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.
“Their recovery is therefore not just about reclaiming stolen wealth, but about reclaiming opportunities for a better future for all Nigerians.”
Dr. Yakubu 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.
“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.”
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.
