The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu (SAN), has disclosed that more than 60% of corruption cases investigated by the commission involve the diversion of public funds meant for healthcare and infrastructure projects.
Aliyu made this known on Thursday in Abuja during a stakeholders' meeting to introduce the commission’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments (ACPP-LG).
He explained that the initiative aims to tackle corruption, financial mismanagement, and governance inefficiencies across Nigeria’s 774 local councils.
"Local governments are essential for delivering public services, yet many have struggled due to weak transparency mechanisms and misappropriation of funds. This initiative is critical because over 60% of corruption cases investigated by the ICPC at this level involve the diversion of public resources meant for vital projects like healthcare and infrastructure," Aliyu stated.
He also referenced the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, ruling, which reaffirmed financial autonomy for local governments, stressing that the ICPC would ensure strict compliance with anti-corruption laws while promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local governance.
Key Objectives of ACPP-LG
Aliyu outlined the key goals of the programme, which include:
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Ensuring transparency in local government operations.
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Promoting proactive disclosure of financial and administrative activities.
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Encouraging citizen participation in governance.
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Training local officials on ethical leadership.
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Using technology to enhance accountability.
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Strengthening partnerships between local governments and development organisations.
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Establishing monitoring mechanisms for governance performance.
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Fostering inclusive decision-making processes.
To ensure the programme’s success, he said the ICPC would enforce compliance through investigations, prosecutions, periodic audits, and regulatory oversight to detect and address financial mismanagement.
Aliyu urged state governments to support local councils in implementing these reforms without unnecessary administrative hurdles. He also warned that beyond preventive measures, the ICPC remains committed to prosecuting cases of fund diversion, ensuring that offenders face the full force of the law.
"This programme is not just about governance reform—it is about justice, deterrence, and ensuring that public resources serve the people as intended. The fight against corruption at the grassroots level is a fight for Nigeria’s future. Let us work together to ensure that every kobo meant for development is used for the people," he concluded.
