The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed the critical role of civil society organisations in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, calling for stronger collaboration, innovation and citizen participation to promote transparency, accountability and good governance across the country.
According to an official statement signed by the Head, Media and Public Communications of the ICPC, J. Okor Odey, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, made the call while delivering the keynote address at the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) Summit on Members’ Hybrid Engagement for Strengthening NACC, held at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja.
The summit brought together representatives of civil society organisations, government institutions, development partners, the media and other stakeholders, with participants also joining virtually from across the country.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Sir Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, Dr. Aliyu stressed that the fight against corruption cannot be won by government and anti-corruption agencies alone, noting that sustainable success requires the active participation of citizens, civil society organisations, the private sector, faith-based institutions, traditional rulers, youth and women’s groups, academia, the media and development partners.
According to him, only a broad-based coalition driven by shared values of integrity and accountability can effectively address Nigeria’s corruption challenges.
The ICPC Chairman described the National Anti-Corruption Coalition as one of the Commission’s most significant platforms for fostering collective action against corruption. He noted that since its establishment, the Coalition has played a vital role in public sensitisation, advocacy, policy engagement, community mobilisation and social accountability initiatives, thereby promoting transparency and strengthening public demand for good governance.
Dr. Aliyu, however, observed that emerging governance challenges, technological advancements, illicit financial flows, procurement irregularities and other sophisticated forms of corruption require more innovative approaches and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
He explained that the adoption of hybrid engagement mechanisms by the Coalition was a strategic necessity that would enhance communication, broaden participation, facilitate knowledge sharing and strengthen coordinated anti-corruption interventions across the country.
The ICPC Chairman urged members of the Coalition to use the summit to critically evaluate its achievements, address existing challenges and collectively develop strategies for improving citizen mobilisation, youth engagement, grassroots participation, communication among members and the application of technology in advancing anti-corruption advocacy.
He further charged members of the National Anti-Corruption Coalition to continue serving as a bridge between government institutions and citizens through sustained advocacy, public enlightenment and community engagement.
Dr. Aliyu described the Coalition’s role as strategic in promoting accountability and strengthening democratic governance, adding that every effort to empower citizens and improve transparency contributes significantly to national development.
He also expressed appreciation to the Commission’s development partners and members of the Coalition for their continued commitment to promoting integrity across the country, expressing optimism that the summit’s deliberations and resolutions would provide a renewed framework for repositioning the Coalition, enhancing collaboration among members and expanding the impact of citizen-led anti-corruption initiatives nationwide.
The statement further disclosed that the Head of the Civil Society Mobilization Unit, Mr. Suleiman Godwin Achile, gave an overview of the National Anti-Corruption Coalition, explaining that it was established by the ICPC in 2006 as an umbrella platform for collaboration with civil society organisations whose core mandate includes anti-corruption advocacy.
Achile noted that the Coalition has grown to more than 400 registered organisations working with the Commission to promote transparency, accountability and integrity across Nigeria.
He added that the summit was convened to re-strategise, rejuvenate and strengthen the Coalition, reconnect with members, familiarise newly admitted organisations with the Coalition’s Memorandum of Understanding, update members on the Commission’s recent initiatives and clarify their roles and expectations as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.
