By Richard Benjamin
Abuja, Nigeria, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), has called for stronger collaboration among African nations to promote integrity and intensify the fight against corruption across the continent.
Aliyu made the call during the commemoration of the African Union Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja, where government officials, civil society organisations and development partners gathered under the theme: “Scaling Up the Promotion of Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Across Africa.”
Speaking at the event, the ICPC chairman said integrity, transparency and accountability remain essential pillars for sustainable development, democratic governance and economic growth in Africa.
He cited findings from the 2025 Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC) study, which revealed that 80 per cent of respondents across 14 African countries believe corruption occurs “always or often.” According to him, the study also identified a lack of integrity as one of the major drivers of corruption on the continent.
“These findings remind us that promoting integrity is not merely aspirational; it is an evidence-based imperative,” Aliyu said.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to combating corruption through prevention, enforcement and public education while strengthening partnerships with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to improve institutional accountability.
Aliyu also highlighted youth-focused initiatives, including the NYSC Anti-Corruption Lecture Series, Integrity Clubs in secondary schools, and collaborations with the Nigerian Law School and universities to instil ethical values among young Nigerians.
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Mrs Gladys Odegbaro described corruption as one of Africa’s greatest development challenges.
“The antidote to corruption is integrity. Integrity is the foundation of good governance and the cornerstone of public confidence,” she said.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Code of Conduct Bureau, Public Complaints Commission, RoLAC Programme, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and other stakeholders, alongside panel discussions and presentations on the proposed Whistle-blower and Witness Protection Bill.
