By Abdul Momoh
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reiterated its commitment to advancing anti-corruption efforts at the subnational level during a high-level regional meeting with Attorneys-General from the North-Central zone held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The strategic engagement, themed “Strengthening Subnational Synergies for Corruption Prevention: Advancing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Nigeria’s North-Central Region,” brought together top officials, including Honourable Attorneys General and Commissioners for Justice from the region.
Key initiatives highlighted during the meeting included:
- Establishment of Audit Committees in local government councils to eliminate ghost workers
- Introduction of a Central Billing System to streamline state payments and minimize revenue leakages
- Creation of a Bureau for Public Procurement to regulate contracting processes
- Dissolution of the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) over allegations of irregular employment, followed by the inauguration of a committee to investigate overstaffing concerns
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to aligning with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), emphasizing that sustainable development requires transparent and accountable governance.
The roundtable resulted in key resolutions, including:
- Establishing formal partnerships to enhance anti-corruption efforts
- Signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining roles and responsibilities
- Deploying joint strategies for investigation, prosecution, and public awareness campaigns
- Creating collaborative mechanisms to institutionalize integrity and restore public trust
- Improving whistleblower protection and encouraging citizen participation
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, commended the level of engagement and innovative solutions discussed, pledging the Commission’s continued support for subnational actors in driving Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign forward.
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