By Matthew Denis
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has revealed that more than 60 percent of corruption cases investigated by the Commission at the local government level concern the diversion of public funds intended for critical infrastructure and healthcare facilities.
Dr. Aliyu made this statement during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, which was organised to formally launch the Commission’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments (ACPP-LG).
“It is a privilege to introduce the ICPC’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments—an essential initiative aimed at tackling corruption, financial mismanagement, and governance weaknesses within Nigeria’s 774 local councils,” the Chairman said.
“Local governments are integral to delivering essential public services, but many are hindered by weak transparency structures and the mismanagement of funds. This initiative is crucial as over 60 percent of the corruption cases we investigate at this level involve the misappropriation of resources meant for vital sectors like healthcare and infrastructure,” he added.
Dr. Aliyu also referenced the landmark Supreme Court ruling on July 11, 2024, which affirmed the financial autonomy of local governments. This judgment ensures that funds are directly disbursed to local councils, eliminating unnecessary state-level interference and opening the door for much-needed reforms in governance.
As an anti-corruption body, the ICPC Chairman underscored the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the success of these reforms. He stressed that this will be achieved through strict adherence to anti-corruption laws and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and efficiency within local councils.
Dr. Aliyu further explained that the ACPP-LG is designed to enhance financial management, governance practices, and proactive information sharing within local governments.
The programme aims to: Ensure transparency in local government operations and decision-making; Facilitate proactive disclosure of financial and administrative activities; Improve public communication and engage citizens in governance processes; Provide training for local government officials on ethical governance and accountability; Leverage technology to improve access to public information and transparency; Foster collaboration between local governments, civil society, and development partners; Implement monitoring systems to track governance performance; Promote inclusivity by ensuring marginalised groups participate in decision-making; Encourage sustainable development in local government policy-making.
Dr. Aliyu emphasised that the ICPC will utilise its investigative, prosecutorial, and regulatory functions to enforce compliance. This includes legislative enforcement, periodic audits, and the establishment of oversight mechanisms to identify and address non-compliance.
“The state governments must recognise their role in supporting local councils and ensure the successful implementation of these reforms without administrative hindrances,” he said. “Civil society organisations and the media also have a vital role to play in raising awareness and holding local governments accountable.”
In a goodwill message, Senator Emmanuel Memge Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crime, represented by Senator Bulus Amos, assured that the Senate would continue to pass laws that strengthen accountability, transparency, and good governance at all levels of government.
He pointed out that the success of this initiative depends on the collaboration of public officials, civil society, oversight bodies, international organisations, and citizens working together to eradicate corruption in society.