ICPC Chairman Calls for Unity Against Corruption in Africa

Dr. Musa Aliyu, the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), urged for stronger collaboration among governments, anti-corruption agencies, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to enhance integrity and anti-corruption efforts across Africa. This call was made during a goodwill message delivered at the African Union Anti-Corruption Day event held at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja.

The theme of the event was "Scale Up Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Action Across Africa," reflecting a collective aspiration to build a continent characterized by integrity, transparency, and accountability. Dr. Aliyu referenced a recent Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC) study indicating that 80% of respondents in fourteen African countries believe corruption is a persistent issue.

He stressed the importance of promoting integrity as an evidence-based imperative. The event featured keynotes from various officials, including Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, who described corruption as a major developmental challenge, and discussions on initiatives like anti-corruption lectures in schools.