By Nkechi Eze
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced its 2025 Management and Board Retreat in Calabar, Cross River State. The retreat aims to reposition the Commission for enhanced effectiveness and strategic impact in the fight against corruption.
The two-day retreat, which began on Tuesday, was formally declared open by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN.
The event drew the participation of key stakeholders, including Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption; Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption (represented by Hon. Ifeanyi Mascot Ikwechegh); and the Attorney General of Cross River State, Hon. Ededem Charles Ani. ICPC board members and senior management officials were also in attendance.
Demola Bakare the commission’s spokesperson in an official statement disclosed that the chairman Dr. Aliyu in his welcome remarks, underscored the retreat’s purpose as an opportunity to reflect on the Commission’s performance in the past year and to chart a forward-looking strategy for a more robust and impactful ICPC.
“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for transparency and accountability. His administration’s commitment continues to inspire the ICPC in the fulfillment of its duties,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
He noted that despite numerous challenges, the Commission recorded significant achievements in 2024, which serve as a testament to the power of collective commitment. The Chairman highlighted the retreat’s focus areas, including:
Effective utilization of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022, particularly civil forfeiture and asset recovery;
Strengthening transparency and accountability across operational areas;
Reviewing the Commission’s 2024 performance;
Enhancing synergy between departments and field offices to foster teamwork;
Embracing innovation through the implementation of the Commission’s ICT roadmap.
Dr. Aliyu encouraged participants to engage with openness and creativity, urging them to propose bold ideas that can translate into measurable results.
“Let us respectfully challenge ourselves, propose bold ideas, and commit to action plans that will elevate our collective performance. Importantly, let our discussions lead not to mere reports, but to practical, measurable outcomes that strengthen our internal capacity and deepen the trust Nigerians place in us.
“I am confident that through our shared wisdom, passion, and commitment, this retreat will further position the ICPC as a vanguard of integrity, accountability, and excellence in Nigeria’s governance space,” he stressed.
Delivering a goodwill message, Senator Emmanuel Udende praised the ICPC’s sustained efforts in enforcement, system review, public enlightenment, and asset recovery.
He pledged continued legislative support to bolster the Commission’s capabilities in the face of evolving and increasingly complex corruption threats.
He also praised the ICPC for remaining a big force in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework, adding that the Commission’s achievements in its system study and review, public enlightenment, enforcement, and asset recovery have made measurable impacts.
“The ICPC remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. Your work in areas such as systems review, public enlightenment, enforcement, and asset recovery has made a measurable impact. However, we recognize that the challenge of corruption continues to evolve, becoming more complex, more digital, and more embedded in governance structures. That is why the Senate, through its legislative functions and oversight responsibilities, stands ready to support initiatives that strengthen your operational effectiveness and legal mandates”, he added.
Similarly, Hon. Ifeanyi Ikwechegh, representing the Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to providing the necessary legal and financial frameworks to empower the Commission.
“We must ensure the ICPC is equipped not only to investigate and prosecute but also to prevent corruption through public engagement and institutional reforms,” he said.
A key highlight of the retreat was the lead paper presentation by Honourable Justice Emmanuel Agim of the Supreme Court titled “Empowering the ICPC: Leveraging Civil Forfeiture and Asset Recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022.”
The event also featured goodwill messages from Hon. Ededem Charles Ani, Attorney General of Cross River State, and retired High Court Judge and ICPC Board Member, Hon. Justice Adamu Bello.
The 2025 ICPC Retreat is expected to end with practical resolutions that will bolster the Commission’s internal systems and improve its impact on Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
