The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has applauded the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for its recent strides in combating corruption. The anti-corruption group described the ICPC’s recent recoveries as commendable milestones that reaffirm the commission’s dedication to upholding integrity in public service.
In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the commendation follows the ICPC’s announcement that it recovered N29.7 billion in cash and $966,900.83 in foreign currency within the past year. ICPC also revealed that the commission blocked the diversion of N10 billion in COVID-19 vaccine funds and prevented the misappropriation of N5.882 billion in public funds. Additionally, the ICPC successfully recovered N10.986 billion in Value-Added Tax (VAT), which has been remitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
According to Suraju, these achievements highlight the importance of ICPC’s strategic initiatives, such as the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, which assessed 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He also acknowledged the establishment of 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units across government bodies as crucial steps toward fostering a culture of accountability and ethical governance.
While commending the ICPC’s efforts, HEDA urged the commission to strengthen collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs), other anti-corruption agencies, and relevant stakeholders. “A unified front is critical to effectively dismantling corruption networks and promoting transparency in Nigeria,” Suraju noted.
He further emphasized that the fight against corruption requires collective effort, urging Nigerians to support and cooperate with anti-corruption bodies. “Together, we can create a Nigeria where public resources are used for the benefit of all, and accountability becomes a norm in every sector,” he concluded.
HEDA’s call for stronger collaboration reinforces the importance of synergy in sustaining Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, offering hope for a more transparent and accountable public sector. He further demands the commission’s diligent and special monitoring of revenue generating agencies such as FIRS, NNPC, CBN, CAC, FCT, NIMASA, NPA, NAFDAC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies in its corruption prevention and investigation activities.