ICPC Recovers ₦105.82bn, Secures 31 Convictions in One Year

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reported significant achievements in its anti-corruption efforts, recovering ₦105.82 billion in assets and cash and securing 31 convictions between 2023 and 2024.

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, ICPC Chairman, revealed these details during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kayode Akiolu, at the Commission’s headquarters.

Achievements in Figures

• Petitions Received: The Commission received 2,038 petitions, comprising 1,187 in 2023 and 851 between January and October 2024.
• Convictions: ICPC secured 18 convictions in 2023 and 13 in 2024.
• Recoveries: ₦76.75 billion was recovered in 2023, with an additional ₦29.07 billion recovered in 2024.

Collaborative Efforts

Aliyu highlighted the ICPC’s collaboration with other anti-corruption agencies and stakeholders, both locally and internationally.

At the global level, the Commission secured a seat on the steering committee of the Global Network alongside Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil. Furthermore, Dr. Aliyu was recently elected Chairman of the African Asset Recovery Practitioners’ Forum (AARP-F).

Challenges and Legislative Support

The ICPC Chairman emphasized the need for increased budgetary allocations to enhance the Commission’s operations. He urged the National Assembly to support:

• Budgetary Increment: Ensuring adequate funds to empower the Commission.
• Review of the ICPC Act: Updating legal frameworks to streamline anti-corruption efforts.
• Access to Recovery Proceeds: Aliyu noted that the Commission has yet to access the 2% of recoveries stipulated by the Proceeds of Crime Act, requiring legislative approval.
• Staff Welfare: Improving the welfare of ICPC personnel to mitigate vulnerabilities that could undermine anti-corruption efforts.

“You cannot fight corruption effectively when foot soldiers face personal and financial crises,” Aliyu stated.

Legislative Committee’s Remarks

Hon. Kayode Akiolu commended the ICPC for its proactive approach, emphasizing that “prevention is better than prosecution.” He acknowledged the Commission’s efforts in raising awareness about corruption and assured them of the Committee’s support during the upcoming 2025 budget deliberations.

As part of the visit, Akiolu requested to inspect ICPC detention facilities, including the conditions of cells, the treatment of detainees, and the duration of detention before court appearances.

The oversight visit underscores the importance of legislative-executive collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and ensuring the ICPC operates optimally.