The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has presented the Commission’s performance scorecard over the past year to the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes.
This was revealed on the commission’s website on Wednesday.
Aliyu, who delivered the report during an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, noted the Commission’s achievements in strengthening its capabilities in the fight against corruption and advancing policy research, despite limited budgetary resources and reliance on international donor support.
“In 2023, the ICPC received 1,187 petitions, assigned 275 cases for investigation, filed 63 cases in court, and secured 18 convictions.
“From January to October 2024, we received 851 petitions, assigned 243 cases, and secured 13 convictions,” he stated.
He identified inadequate funding as a major constraint impacting the Commission’s ability to pursue investigations, legal proceedings, and public education efforts effectively.
Other include legislative limitations which required amendments to the ICPC Act, along with staffing and welfare needs.
“Our work requires diverse expertise, from forensic analysis to psychology, yet rising living costs make it increasingly difficult to maintain high morale among staff. Reviewing salaries and welfare benefits is essential for sustainable productivity.
“Additionally, ICPC personnel face security risks, especially during high-stakes investigations, making it critical to provide them with adequate security measures similar to those granted to other agencies. Currently, we have 21 state offices, but they are severely understaffed and under-resourced, which affects our efficiency nationwide,” he explained.
The ICPC chairman further mentioned slow pace of court processes as a challenge that hampers the swift resolution of corruption cases and undermine public trust in anti-corruption efforts.
Aliyu further called for continuous legislative and financial support to enable the commission achieve sustainable progress.
“We urge you to consider the Commission’s requests for adequate funding to strengthen operational resources. Such support will enable us to pursue a more effective, inclusive, and resilient fight against corruption in Nigeria,” he encouraged.
In response, the committee’s chairman, Senator Emmanuel Udende, commended the ICPC for its professionalism in the fight against corruption.
He also expressed the National Assembly’s intent to address the issues raised, especially regarding the ICPC’s inability to access the 2% of recoveries designated under the 2022 Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
“At the Committee level, we’ll see what can be done to support you. Two percent is too small. If you’re recovering billions, part of your operating costs should come from these recoveries. Other agencies, like the Nigeria Customs Service and FIRS, are allowed to retain about 50% of their recoveries, so we’ll take a holistic look at this to ensure fairness,” he stated.