The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has called for sustained legislative reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.
Aliyu made the call on Thursday at a one-day interactive session on the role of parliamentarians in the fight against corruption held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
He said corruption had become more sophisticated through technological innovation, complex financial crimes and emerging governance challenges, making it necessary for the country’s legal framework to evolve.
According to him, continuous legislative reforms are needed to close legal loopholes, strengthen whistleblower protection, improve asset recovery and enhance the administration of criminal justice.
The ICPC chairman said Parliament occupies a strategic position in the anti-corruption fight through its lawmaking, appropriation and oversight functions, stressing that no anti-corruption agency can succeed without the support of the legislature.
He also described the commission’s Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative as a collaborative accountability mechanism aimed at ensuring contractors and implementing agencies deliver quality public projects.
Aliyu urged lawmakers to provide ethical leadership and promote transparency and accountability to strengthen public confidence in government.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, said parliamentarians were critical partners in the fight against corruption and urged them to review existing laws, strengthen anti-corruption institutions and close legal loopholes.
Umahi also commended the ICPC for monitoring projects under the Ministry of Works, pledging continued collaboration with the commission to reward contractors who deliver quality projects while sanctioning those who fail to meet required standards.
The event featured goodwill messages from representatives of anti-corruption agencies, the National Assembly and development partners, while former Kenyan Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim Mohammed urged African lawmakers to strengthen legislative oversight, promote transparency and support institutional reforms to curb corruption.
