On Wednesday, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), shared a shocking case of how government officials paid for a hospital project five times, totaling 100 percent of the cost, yet no hospital was built. He highlighted this example during a media engagement with Northern media executives and Bureau Chiefs in Abuja, calling it a stark illustration of the widespread corruption plaguing the country.

Dr. Aliyu stated that this was just one of many examples of systemic corruption in Nigeria. He urged the media and the public to join the fight against corruption, stressing that those involved in corrupt practices work together to discredit efforts to tackle the issue. He warned that if corruption is not dealt with, Nigeria’s future, especially the future of the younger generation, would be in jeopardy, as the corrupt continue to damage the economy.

The ICPC Chairman shared another example of corruption within government ministries, where an official had listed his wife, son, and in-law on the payroll—despite the son being a student and not of working age. Dr. Aliyu also pointed out that the ICPC had blocked the diversion of N20 billion last year, illustrating the proactive efforts the commission is taking to prevent fraud in government agencies.

In addition to addressing domestic corruption, Dr. Aliyu revealed that his team is collaborating with anti-graft agencies across Africa to trace and repatriate stolen assets held abroad. While he couldn’t provide an exact figure, he condemned the Global North for enabling corrupt African officials by providing safe havens for illicitly acquired wealth. He also criticized these countries for creating barriers when it comes to repatriating such assets, often demanding hefty consultant fees in the process.

The ICPC boss called on the Nigerian media to support the fight against corruption, emphasizing that media involvement is essential to building a just and prosperous nation. Dr. Aliyu also revealed that the ICPC has begun intense budgetary analysis, tracking and blocking funds that could potentially be misused.

On the issue of recovering assets, Dr. Aliyu assured that the ICPC adheres to the Proceeds of Crime Act and has set up a committee to ensure that recovered properties are auctioned transparently. He also advocated for a review of Nigeria’s laws to make corruption less attractive, citing examples from other African countries where individuals found guilty of corruption must repay the stolen amounts with interest and are barred from holding public office for up to 10 years.

Finally, he urged Nigerians to stop glorifying corrupt individuals, who he believes are the root cause of societal issues.