The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, has urged media practitioners to collaborate with the commission in monitoring and reporting local government expenditure. This call follows the National Assembly’s recent granting of financial autonomy to local government areas.

Speaking at a workshop on “Effective Collaboration in Corruption Prevention” with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr. Aliyu emphasized the significance of media collaboration in promoting transparency and accountability. He noted that investigative journalism plays a pivotal role in exposing corruption, holding public officials accountable and facilitating transparency.

The ICPC has initiated various projects, including the Local Government Integrity Initiative and Literary Activism, to inspire behavior change through literature, jingles and short videos. Dr. Aliyu highlighted the importance of media advocacy, utilizing editorials, blogs and social media campaigns to raise public awareness about corruption.

NUJ President Chris Isiguzo echoed Dr. Aliyu’s sentiments, stressing that journalists are crucial in uncovering and reporting corruption. He emphasized the power of investigative journalism in exposing illicit activities and promoting transparency and accountability.

The ICPC has a history of collaborating with the media, partnering on initiatives such as investigative training and project tracking. The commission’s efforts have yielded significant results, including the recovery of over N13 billion in September 2024 alone.

By leveraging the power of media collaboration, the ICPC aims to ensure effective utilization of public resources and promote accountability in local governance.