Musa Aliyu, chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has announced that the agency recovered and remitted “the sum of N10.986 billion in value-added tax (VAT)” to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) over the past year.
Aliyu made this known on Tuesday during an event marking his one year in office at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He detailed the ICPC’s achievements, noting that the agency recovered N29.7 billion in cash and N10 billion originally allocated for COVID-19 vaccine production.
Further highlighting the commission’s successes, Aliyu said, “The commission just completed the tracking of 1,500 projects, valued at N610 billion, nationwide under CEPTI Phase 7.” He also revealed final asset forfeitures worth N2.5 billion and “foreign currency recoveries of $966,900.83.”
Aliyu noted that during the year under review, the ICPC processed 851 petitions, with 342 assigned for investigation, 95 fully investigated, 72 cases filed in court, and 16 convictions secured, adding that efforts were being made to streamline processes for faster and more effective prosecutions. This includes reviving “10-15-year-old cases in courts.”
In addition, the ICPC assessed 323 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) through its ethics and integrity compliance scorecard (EICS) and established 80 anti-corruption and transparency units (ACTUs) to bolster institutional accountability. Aliyu further stated, “While doing these, the commission stopped the diversion of public funds to the tune of N5.882 billion.”
Highlighting collaborations, the ICPC brought together the 36 states’ attorneys-general to “brainstorm and had robust conversations on developing effective strategies that would enhance the commission’s capacity in the fight against corruption.” Aliyu noted that regional editions of the initiative had begun, starting with the North-West conference of attorneys-general.
Looking ahead, Aliyu acknowledged there is still much to be done and outlined plans to improve efficiency, public engagement, and institutional frameworks while leveraging technology.
Bolaji Owasanoye, the ICPC’s former chairman, advised Aliyu to reflect on his first year in office so that he could point out areas for growth, cultivate resilience, and develop a forward-thinking approach.
Aliyu’s efforts were applauded by anti-corruption agencies in Zambia, Uganda, and Sierra Leone for his strides in combating corruption in Nigeria.
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