By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to deepen its collaboration with Nigeria’s disability community in the fight against corruption, the elimination of discrimination, and the promotion of equal opportunities for all citizens.
This commitment was made during a strategic partnership meeting in Abuja between the Commission and the Pioneers Ad Hoc Consortium of Nigeria’s Disability Civil Rights Movement.
In a statement signed by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu affirmed that the ICPC operates an inclusive recruitment policy and already employs persons with disabilities.
“ICPC does not discriminate in its recruitment or operations. We treat every verifiable petition on its merit, irrespective of the petitioner’s background or vulnerability,” Oparaodu stated.
He welcomed the consortium’s proposals and confirmed the Commission’s readiness to explore joint initiatives, including tackling corruption in disability-focused institutions, strengthening whistleblower engagement, and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities.
Lady Omotunde Ellen Thompson, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), used the occasion to highlight the persistent challenges facing the disability community, ranging from corruption and systemic neglect to entrenched structural barriers. She commended ICPC for its professionalism, its empathy in pursuing justice, and its physical support during court proceedings.
“We value ICPC’s track record in addressing high-profile cases and the compassion it has shown. But more must be done to ensure dignity, protection, and fairness for persons with disabilities,” Lady Thompson stressed.
She also called for the creation of a Department of Veteran Affairs in Nigeria to focus on the welfare of law enforcement officers and persons with disabilities, including timely salary payments, healthcare access, and adequate protection to curb insecurity and social unrest.
Her proposals further included the appointment of a dedicated desk officer for disability matters, specialized training programmes, audits of donor funds for disability-focused projects, and the promotion of inclusive and accessible policymaking dialogues.
The association formally presented a petition to the ICPC and proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalise their partnership.
The meeting ended with a renewed pledge from the Commission to address all verifiable petitions within its mandate. “We are excited about the possibilities of this partnership and are determined to make sure it delivers real results for the disability community,” Oparaodu said.
