Susan Abayomi
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has received recognition for its institutional performance, transparency and accountability following an independent assessment by a coalition of civil society organisations.
The assessment, presented at a civil society roundtable in Lagos, evaluated selected federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) based on transparency, institutional efficiency, accountability and contributions to public service delivery.
According to a report published by NewsNowOnline on October 24, 2026, the assessment recognised the ICPC and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) among institutions noted for their performance in public accountability and service delivery.
The assessment acknowledged the ICPC’s role in safeguarding public resources, strengthening institutional measures against corruption and promoting integrity within the public service.
The recognition comes as the Commission, under the leadership of its Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, continues to pursue its investigative, preventive and enforcement responsibilities.
Beyond investigating corruption allegations, the ICPC has emphasised preventive strategies aimed at identifying institutional weaknesses, improving compliance mechanisms and reducing opportunities for the abuse of public office.
Public procurement was also highlighted as a critical area requiring effective oversight, given the financial risks associated with weak controls and corrupt practices in government transactions.
The Commission’s mandate extends beyond the prosecution of corruption-related offences to promoting ethical conduct, strengthening accountability and fostering collaboration among regulatory institutions, law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations.
Under Aliyu’s leadership, the ICPC has continued to focus on lawful enforcement, preventive interventions and public enlightenment as essential components of efforts to combat corruption.
The latest recognition follows the Commission’s performance in the 2026 Transparency and Integrity Index conducted by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity. The ICPC recorded 80.13 per cent in the index, compared with 78.13 per cent in 2025.
The two assessments offer separate perspectives on the Commission’s accountability, transparency and institutional performance.
Participants at the Lagos roundtable also stressed the importance of evaluating public institutions based on measurable outcomes rather than policy announcements and routine activities alone. They noted that institutional effectiveness should ultimately translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
For the ICPC, the recognition underscores the need to sustain credible investigations, strengthen preventive measures, improve institutional responsiveness and build public confidence in the fight against corruption.
It also reinforces the importance of professionalism, fairness, transparency and respect for due process in the discharge of the Commission’s statutory responsibilities.
As the ICPC continues its anti-corruption efforts, the assessment highlights the need to consolidate institutional improvements and strengthen cooperation with stakeholders committed to accountability and good governance.
