Abuja, Nigeria – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully recovered N29.7 billion in cash and $966,900.83 in foreign currency as part of its ongoing anti-corruption initiatives. The funds, according to the commission, have been deposited into its account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Musa Aliyu, the ICPC Chairman, made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, marking his first year in office. Aliyu detailed the commission’s progress and highlighted key achievements in fighting corruption and promoting transparency across Nigeria’s public sector.
Key Recoveries and Achievements
In addition to the N29.7 billion and $966,900 recovered in cash, Aliyu revealed that the ICPC had also made significant strides in recovering funds related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission recovered N10 billion in COVID-19 vaccine funds that had been misappropriated, ensuring these resources were returned to the government.
The Chairman highlighted that the commission had been proactive in safeguarding public funds, stating, “We recovered N29.7bn in cash and stopped the diversion of N10bn in COVID-19 vaccine funds, which have been remitted. Additionally, we secured approximately N2.5bn in bank recoveries.” He also disclosed that the ICPC had successfully prevented the diversion of N5.88 billion in public funds.
Institutional Integrity and Compliance Efforts
As part of its commitment to strengthening institutional integrity, the ICPC assessed 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS). The commission has also established 80 anti-corruption and transparency units across various MDAs to enhance its anti-corruption efforts and promote transparency within government institutions.
“The report of the EICS exercise, conducted earlier this year, is ready and will be released to the media and the public,” Aliyu said, underscoring the commission’s dedication to improving governance and accountability across the federal government.
VAT Recovery and Legal Action
The ICPC’s recovery efforts also extended to Value-Added Tax (VAT), with the commission successfully recovering and remitting N10.986 billion in VAT funds to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Aliyu also highlighted the commission’s legal and investigative work, noting that the ICPC processed 851 petitions during the past year. Out of these, 342 cases were assigned for investigation, 95 were fully investigated, and 72 cases were filed in court. The commission secured 16 convictions over the course of the year, demonstrating its commitment to holding individuals accountable for corruption and financial mismanagement.
ICPC’s Vision for the Future
Reflecting on his first year in office, Aliyu emphasized that the ICPC’s achievements are a testament to its resolve to tackle corruption and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of Nigerians. He expressed confidence that the commission’s actions will continue to build on the progress made thus far.
“The commission continues to ensure accountability in government funds and deliver sustainable projects for the benefit of Nigerians. Our strategic action plan, which is aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategic Plan 2022–2026, provides a sense of direction in achieving these goals,” he stated.
Aliyu also reiterated that the ICPC remains committed to strengthening accountability and transparency across public institutions, ensuring that the fight against corruption remains a top priority for the commission in the coming years.
Conclusion
The ICPC’s recovery of N29.7 billion in cash, along with the recovery of COVID-19 funds, VAT, and its legal victories, underscores the commission’s effectiveness in combating corruption and enhancing public sector accountability. With the release of the EICS report and ongoing investigations, the commission is positioning itself to continue its critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s public resources.
