By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has emphasized the need for innovative strategies to boost transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
According to an official signed statement by the commission’s spokesperson Demola Bakare, the Chairman made this call at the 3-Day National Anti-Corruption Conference (TAC’25), where he advocated for the adoption of digital platforms to promote open access and reduce human discretion.
Dr. Aliyu noted that investing in digital transformation for anti-corruption purposes would significantly enhance development and national prosperity. He stressed that transparency and accountability are actionable principles that can be achieved through innovation, institutional empowerment, and citizen involvement.
The House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Anti-Corruption, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Kayode Moshood Akiolu, highlighted the importance of collaboration in fighting corruption, stating that no single entity can tackle corruption alone. He emphasized the need for synergy between government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to create a transparent public administration.
The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo, noted that transparency promotes accountability, deters malfeasance, and empowers citizens to hold leaders accountable. He stressed that technology must be backed by a culture of integrity, nurtured through training and leadership by example, and advocated for punitive measures for violations.
The conference, themed “Fostering Collaboration in Enhancing Transparency Within MDAs”, brought together stakeholders from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the private sector, who engaged in discussions and thought-provoking questions during panel sessions.