The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has called for greater emphasis on preventive strategies and institutional safeguards to tackle corruption before it occurs.
ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, made the call in Abuja at the fourth International Diplomatic Dialogue organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, ACAN.
The dialogue focused on “Development of Anti-Corruption Strategies and Policies: The Russian National Experience.”
Aliyu said corruption remains a major threat to development, stressing the need for anti-corruption institutions to learn from international experiences and adopt innovative approaches suited to Nigeria’s realities.
He urged participants to translate lessons from the engagement into practical actions that would strengthen institutions, improve accountability and enhance public trust.
Speaking on Russia’s experience, the Minister Counsellor and Charge d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in Nigeria, Igor Ivannikov, said effective anti-corruption systems must combine enforcement with measures that address the root causes of corruption.
Ivannikov identified income and asset declarations, conflict-of-interest prevention, expenditure monitoring and anti-corruption reviews of legislation as some of Russia’s preventive measures.
He also highlighted the use of digital platforms and risk-based monitoring in public procurement, while stressing that technology alone cannot eliminate corruption without effective oversight and accountability.
Earlier, the Provost of ACAN, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, outlined Russia’s legal and institutional framework for combating corruption, including its Criminal Code, Federal Law on Combating Corruption and other relevant legislation.
He also identified institutions involved in Russia’s anti-corruption efforts, including the Prosecutor General’s Office, Investigative Committee, Ministry of Justice and Accounts Chamber.
