By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reinforced its drive to strengthen integrity and accountability at the grassroots level during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.
According to an official signed statement by the Commission’s spokesperson, J. Okor Odey, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr. Alexander Chukwurah, fsi, said the Commission continues to prioritise strategic engagement with key stakeholders, with the local government system remaining central because it is the tier of government closest to the people. He noted that corruption prevention remains the most cost-effective and sustainable approach, highlighting the importance of ongoing sensitisation.
Mr. Chukwurah outlined the Commission’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention in Local Governments (ACCP-LG) initiative, which aims to strengthen integrity systems and raise awareness within local government operations. He explained that the ICPC’s core mandates Enforcement, Prevention and Public Education are deliberately designed to influence behavioural change. He acknowledged that the Commission’s message may sometimes appear unpopular because it challenges entrenched norms but maintained that consistent interface with local councils is essential to reducing corruption risks and promoting ethical conduct.
Welcoming the ICPC delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, described the Commission as a strategic partner and an integral part of the Ministry’s achievements. She reiterated that transparency and accountability are core values upheld by the Ministry and affirmed its readiness to collaborate further, particularly in sensitising staff across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner, Bolaji Kayode Robert, commended the ICPC for prioritising preventive strategies over reactive measures. He stated that grassroots-level sensitisation is crucial, given Lagos State’s division into five traditional administrative zones Ikorodu, Ikeja, Badagry, Lagos Central and Epe. He assured the Commission of the Ministry’s commitment to deepen collaboration and expand awareness across all local government structures.
