Keffi: The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, emphasized the necessity for collective action and robust partnerships across all sectors in the battle against corruption. He made these remarks at the opening of a three-day International Conference on Anti-Corruption, Transparency, and Integrity in Governance held at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in Keffi, Nasarawa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, themed ‘Strengthening Integrity Systems for Sustainable Development and Public Trust in Nigeria,’ attracted participants from various sectors, including investigators, academics, legal practitioners, and professionals. Representing the ICPC boss, Hassan Mohamed, Director of Special Duties, underscored the inability of anti-graft agencies alone to resolve the corruption crisis in Nigeria. He highlighted the need for a shared national responsibility that extends beyond mere law enforcement.
Dr. Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), linked the conference’s themes to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that discussions on anti-corruption strategies, best practices, and evidence-based approaches were in line with the administration’s governance priorities. He outlined five strategic goals for the conference, including promoting scholarly and policy discussions on anti-corruption, exchanging experiences among stakeholders, and generating innovative approaches to combating graft.
The ICPC chairman urged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and produce actionable recommendations to enhance institutional integrity in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that collaboration and innovation would foster public trust and create a more accountable nation.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, represented by Baba Usman, the Commissioner for Security and other Sundry Matters, officially opened the conference, commending the ICPC for its persistent efforts in combating corruption. The Provost of ACAN, Prof. Ghali Ibrahim, also stressed the importance of stronger integrity systems and greater transparency in governance, pointing out that corruption significantly contributes to underdevelopment, insecurity, and declining public trust in Nigeria.
Prof. Ibrahim noted that the conference aimed to generate intellectual engagement, policy recommendations, and innovative solutions to barriers hindering transparency and integrity in public institutions. Former EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the fight against corruption requires determination and discipline, and can only be won by fixing systemic issues and rallying collective action against the menace.