Abuja: Dr. Musa Aliyu, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has advocated for enhanced cross-border collaboration among nations to effectively combat corruption.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Aliyu made this statement at the inaugural International Diplomatic Dialogue organized by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training division of ICPC, held in Abuja. The dialogue, themed ‘Experience Sharing in Anti-Corruption Strategy: The Kenyan Perspective,’ aimed to bring together global insights on anti-corruption efforts.
Aliyu expressed concern about corruption being a significant obstacle to sustainable development, economic growth, and public trust in institutions. He highlighted that corruption is a worldwide issue affecting countries to different extents, based on the strategic measures taken against it.
Welcoming the Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Isaac Parashina, as the guest speaker, Aliyu remarked that the event offered a distinctive platform for international engagement and collaborative learning. He acknowledged Kenya’s notable progress in advancing anti-corruption reforms and emphasized that Nigeria could benefit from Kenya’s experiences and best practices.
Aliyu stressed the severe impacts of unchecked corruption on the political, socio-economic, and developmental progress of nations. He reiterated that the dialogue signified ICPC and ACAN’s dedication to fostering international cooperation and promoting evidence-based corruption prevention approaches. The initiative aligns with ICPC’s broader objective of cultivating a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in both the public and private sectors.
He also expressed gratitude to the Kenyan envoy for attending the event, noting that it further strengthened the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Kenya. Aliyu praised the Provost of ACAN, Prof. Sheriff Ibrahim, and his team for their efforts in conceptualizing and organizing the dialogue.
Amb. Parashina, in his lecture titled ‘Diplomatic Dialogue: How Kenya Handles Corruption and Anti-Corruption,’ highlighted that Kenya’s anti-corruption journey underscores the necessity for constitutional commitment, robust institutions, effective legislation, technological innovation, and coordinated governmental action. He emphasized that African nations possess the capability, expertise, and determination to tackle corruption and promote integrity in public life.
Parashina noted that through deeper cooperation, Kenya and Nigeria could significantly contribute to advancing good governance, economic growth, and prosperity across the continent.
In his welcoming address, ACAN Provost Ibrahim emphasized the importance of ‘engagement and conversations for mutual learning,’ referencing historical examples of nations that progressed by learning from others. He advocated for adopting the ‘Socratic method’ of perpetual learning, which involves humility, lifelong curiosity, and openness to diverse perspectives.
Ibrahim highlighted Kenya’s multi-ethnic composition and strong anti-corruption reforms as reasons for selecting it for the inaugural dialogue. He noted that Kenya’s achievements include the recovery of over 118 million dollars in illicit assets since 2014, the enactment of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, digitization of public services through the e-Citizen Portal, and the establishment of specialized anti-corruption courts.