In a fresh push against corruption, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu (SAN), has disclosed that the agency recently thwarted an attempt to divert N1.6 billion in public funds through technology-based tools.
Although he did not name the specific ministry or agency involved, Aliyu said the interception happened recently and serves as further proof that technology is fast becoming a critical weapon in Nigeria’s fight against graft.
“We cannot fight corruption without being smart. We know the increasing use of technology in committing corrupt acts, but we are also leveraging the same technology to fight back. Because of the deployment of technological tools, we were able to block N1.6 billion that could have been stolen,” Aliyu said.
The ICPC boss made the revelation during a courtesy visit by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu. His comments were made known in a statement released on Sunday by the Commission’s spokesman, Demola Bakare.
Aliyu emphasized that while technology has made it easier for corrupt individuals to conceal their tracks, it also presents an opportunity for anti-graft agencies to fight smarter. To this end, he called for a stronger partnership between ICPC and NASENI, proposing the establishment of a Joint Innovation Task Team to identify areas for collaboration and drive consistent engagement.
Read also: Soludo mourns lawyer’s death, promises to take action
“First, I would like us to collaborate in the tracking of public funds and procurement processes. Seventy to eighty per cent of corruption happens in the area of procurement. Second, we need to design a secure whistleblower platform, because we cannot fight corruption without access to information,” he added.
Aliyu also pledged ICPC’s support in strengthening NASENI’s internal Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, noting the Commission’s readiness to support reforms that promote accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
On his part, NASENI CEO Halilu welcomed the idea of working more closely with the anti-corruption body, expressing optimism about the partnership. He also assured ICPC of NASENI’s readiness to offer technical support and expertise.
“We are keen to extend our partnership to the ICPC. We would be happy to share our knowledge and experience in this area,” Halilu said.
He also highlighted the need to digitize internal operations to limit risks such as document leakage and to enhance operational efficiency.
