By Matthew Denis
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to host a one-day Stakeholder Meeting on the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments in Nigeria (ACPP-LG).
A statement issued on Wednesday by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and Spokesperson for ICPC, outlines the aim of the meeting to improve financial management, transparency, and proactive disclosure within local government operations.
The ICPC has long been engaged with grassroots communities through various local government programmes and initiatives, which have served as platforms for education and awareness, while also empowering citizens to identify and report corrupt practices. The ACPP-LG initiative further underscores the ICPC’s commitment to promoting integrity, accountability, and transparency in local governance.
The Stakeholder Meeting will offer an opportunity for key discussions on the challenges that hinder effective local governance, while also introducing the ACPP-LG as a vital tool for preventing corruption. The programme is designed to tackle financial leakages, reduce corrupt practices, ensure adherence to governance standards, and facilitate efficient, corruption-free service delivery at the local level.
A central aim of the ACPP-LG is to rebuild public trust in the third tier of government by reinforcing accountability mechanisms. The meeting will also engage local governance leaders, especially in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling that upholds the financial autonomy of local governments across Nigeria.
The Stakeholder Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
