The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) has recovered nearly N52 billion, $966,900.83, and other assets in the past year.
Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, the Anti-graft Agency’s Chairman, who made the revelation, credited the firm dedication to the rule of law for the noteworthy milestone accomplishment. He gave a speech on Tuesday in Abuja at a function accessed by BrandSpur national news story, commemorating his one-year tenure as ICPC chairman.
Dr. Aliyu also linked the Commission’s success to its ability to adjust to changing trends and provide its employees with digital tactics for combating corruption.
Continuing, he had this to say: “The current administration’s anti-corruption agenda and my own policy thrust encapsulated in the acronym “CARE” for impact, have further motivated the Commission to enhance its tools, approaches, and engagements. I am, therefore, bold and proud to reflect on the modest progress we have made and the challenges we have overcome so far.
“These accomplishments include notable asset recoveries, enforcement actions, and initiatives promoting transparency and good governance. For instance, through its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), the Commission continues to ensure accountability in government funds and deliver tangible benefits of democracy to citizens across Nigeria,” he added.
According to Dr. Aliyu on the assets recovery: “N29.700 billion in cash” was recovered and presently domiciled in ICPC recovery accounts. N10.986 billion VAT was recovered and remitted to FIRS. N10 billion COVID-19 vaccine fund meant for the production of vaccines was remitted to the treasury. Value of asset through final forfeiture – N2.5 billion.”
According to ICPC, $966,900.83 was recovered and secured in the ICPC-CBN account balance pushed forward in the area of foreign currency recovery. In the same vein, the anti-graft agency reported that it recently finished tracking 1,500 projects nationally under CEPTI Phase 7, totaling N610 billion.
Furthering, Dr. Aliyu revealed that throughout the last year, the Commission has handled 851 petitions, of which 342 have been assigned for investigation, 95 have been thoroughly investigated, 72 cases have been filed in court, and 16 convictions have been obtained.
In his words: “In this regard, we are streamlining our processes to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of cases, leading to the resuscitation of 10-15-year-old cases in courts.”
Dr. Aliyu went on to reveal that the Commission evaluated 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) using its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) as part of its dedication to institutional responsibility. To strengthen its anti-corruption initiatives, he noted, 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) were also established throughout MDAs.
“while doing these, the Commission stopped the diversion of public funds to the tune of N5.882 billion.”
