Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has provided a sobering assessment of the state of corruption in Nigeria.
Speaking at an event organized by Ahmadu Bello University’s Faculty of Law, Aliyu revealed that Nigeria faced an estimated 87 million bribe cases amounting to N700 billion in 2023, with rural areas experiencing higher frequencies of bribery compared to urban centers.
Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), underscored that corruption remains a major barrier to the nation’s development. He pointed out that it erodes trust in public institutions, undermines the rule of law, and hampers economic growth. “Corruption is not just a legal issue but a social one that demands a multifaceted approach,” he stated.
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Referencing a recent Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) survey, Aliyu highlighted that corruption ranked fourth among Nigeria’s most pressing issues in 2023, following cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment. Despite the challenges, he expressed cautious optimism about progress in the fight against corruption. The rate of citizens reporting bribe payments to authorities rose from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023, reflecting increased awareness and willingness to combat corruption.
Aliyu emphasized that corruption undermines fundamental rights, leading to inequality and oppression. “The ICPC is dedicated to upholding human rights and promoting social justice by tackling corruption and ensuring access to essential services,” he said.
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He also addressed issues of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, citing a 2018 World Bank survey which revealed that approximately 70% of female graduates reported experiencing harassment by classmates or instructors.
In addition to addressing corruption, Aliyu discussed the importance of digital transformation and cybersecurity. He called for ongoing education and training for the judiciary to effectively handle cyber-related cases, including online fraud, sexual extortion, cybersquatting, and unlawful interception of communications.
Aliyu concluded by reaffirming the ICPC’s commitment to human rights and social justice as the foundation of a just society, ensuring dignity, freedom, and equal opportunities for all.
