By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed the central role of the media as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption and the promotion of national integrity. This position was emphasised in a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, during the 2025 Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of the International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria, held recently in Abuja.
The message, delivered by the Commission’s Spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. John Okor Odey, underscored the Commission’s strengthened engagement with media professionals as essential allies in exposing corrupt practices and reinforcing ethical values. Dr. Aliyu noted that under his leadership, the ICPC continued to deepen collaboration with the press as part of a broader strategy to fortify the nation’s anti-corruption framework.
According to the ICPC Chairman, the media remained an indispensable stakeholder in Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture, as credible journalism was fundamental to transparency, public enlightenment, and accountability in governance. He reiterated that the Commission greatly valued its partnership with journalists, whose work, he said, had been instrumental in shaping public discourse around corruption and good governance.
The high-level gathering drew prominent national leaders, including the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, GCON, who chaired the occasion. In his remarks, the Vice-President described the media as the backbone of democratic stability and emphasised that one of its most sacred responsibilities was the protection of democracy. He called for collective engagement among the media, government institutions, and civil society to safeguard national unity and strengthen democratic governance. Shettima stressed that journalists were crucial partners in nation-building, noting that the character and strength of any nation were deeply influenced by the resilience and responsibility of its press.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, described the conference theme as timely and significant to the growth of the country’s democratic process. He highlighted the importance of responsible journalism, constructive government–media engagement, and continuous dialogue to reinforce public trust and enhance national cohesion.
In his welcome address, the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, raised concerns over the increasingly challenging landscape of the Nigerian media industry. He pointed out that the safety and welfare of journalists remained a major issue, insisting that reporters and media practitioners must be protected from harm as they carry out their constitutional duties.
Goodwill messages also came from other stakeholders, including a representative of the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Dr. Mrs. Bolatito Olufe. She applauded IPI Nigeria’s leadership for its ongoing reforms and renewed commitment to press freedom, while emphasising that objectivity, professionalism, and national interest must remain the bedrock of journalism in the country.
The ICPC, in its concluding remark, reiterated its unwavering commitment to sustaining a robust partnership with the media in the collective effort to curb corruption and promote integrity across all sectors of the nation.
