By Ade Iyamoye
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has urged media executives to intensify their role in exposing corruption, emphasizing that the press remains a crucial ally in the fight against graft.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with editors and media executives in Lagos, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), called on journalists to remain vigilant and committed to investigative reporting, stressing that corruption thrives in secrecy.
“The media is not merely a watchdog; you are a frontline partner in dismantling corruption networks.
“The more Nigerians see, read, and hear about the fight against corruption, the stronger our collective resolve becomes,” Aliyu said.
The ICPC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring transparency in all its operations.
He also appealed to the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Whistleblower Bill, which would provide stronger legal backing and protection for individuals exposing corrupt practices.
Highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts, Aliyu revealed that the ICPC is tracking constituency and executive projects to curb the culture of abandoned government initiatives.
He also decried the role of some bank executives in facilitating illicit financial flows, warning that those shielding corrupt individuals would be held accountable.
“We are focusing on bank MDs who aid in siphoning looted funds abroad. While we may not make every move public to protect financial stability, rest assured that accountability will be enforced,” he stated.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba, urged the ICPC to intensify scrutiny of the judiciary, arguing that certain legal practitioners and judges undermine anti-corruption efforts through questionable rulings and frivolous legal delays.
Aliyu reaffirmed Nigeria’s growing influence in global anti-corruption efforts, citing the country’s recent election to key international bodies, including the GlobE Network Steering Committee and the African Assets Recovery Practitioners Forum.
As Nigeria deepens its fight against corruption, the ICPC boss reiterated the need for sustained collaboration between the media, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
“Corruption is a national threat, and tackling it requires a unified front. The media’s role in shaping public perception and holding institutions accountable cannot be overstated,” he added.
With renewed calls for investigative journalism and legislative support, the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria is set for a more aggressive phase—one that demands unwavering media engagement in exposing graft at all levels.
