The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu, has called for stronger implementation of anti-corruption policies, stressing the need to bridge the gap between policy formulation and practical execution.
Aliyu made the call during a three-day National Anti-Corruption Conference in Kano, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption.
The conference, themed “Operationalising Policy Statements into Practice: Strengthening Anti-Corruption Mechanisms in Government,” brought together stakeholders from federal ministries, departments and agencies.
Represented by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for the ICPC Kano Office, Barrister Ahmad Muhammad Wada, the ICPC chairman said effective anti-corruption mechanisms require more than routine oversight.
He identified institutional integrity, technological integration and accountability culture as key pillars needed to strengthen transparency and reduce corruption in public service.
According to him, internal audit and control units must be properly empowered, while digital systems should be adopted to reduce human interference and limit opportunities for corruption.
Aliyu also called for a shift from reactive governance to a proactive culture where transparency becomes a standard practice in public administration.
“Let our discussions move beyond the theoretical,” he said, urging participants to share practical solutions and address challenges hindering policy implementation.
He noted that the conference was coming at a critical time in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described the conference theme as a reflection of the state of democratic governance in the country.
Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Abbas said the legislature remained the first line of defence against corruption.
He said lawmakers were responsible not only for making laws but also ensuring that such laws deliver meaningful impact.
The Speaker further called on the executive arm of government to ensure transparent and digital procurement processes, while urging the judiciary to fast-track corruption cases to strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
Participants at the conference also examined issues around institutional oversight, digitalisation and sector-based anti-corruption strategies through paper presentations and interactive sessions focused on achieving measurable outcomes in the fight against corruption.
