the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of Nigeria — covering history, mandate, structure, major activities, and top recent developments.
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Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria — A Comprehensive Overview
What Is the ICPC?
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is one of Nigeria’s primary anti-graft agencies tasked with confronting corruption and related offences in public life. It was established by statute (Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000) and inaugurated on 29 September 2000 under the presidency of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to curb endemic corruption.
Nigeria’s ICPC operates alongside other integrity institutions — such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — but its core mandate differs by placing significant emphasis on public sector corruption, systemic reform, education, and prevention.
Legal Foundation and Mandate
The ICPC was established by the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000 (Act No. 5, 13 June 2000) — the legal instrument that defines its functions, powers, and limits.
Primary Functions
Per the Act and the Commission’s official mandate, the ICPC is empowered to:
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Receive, investigate, and prosecute offences related to corruption and corrupt practices.
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Examine public institutions’ procedures to identify and correct systems susceptible to corruption.
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Educate and enlighten the public about corruption and its societal harms.
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Build public support for anti-corruption reforms and prevention-focused policies.
These functions make the ICPC not only a law enforcement body but also a prevention and advocacy institution aimed at strengthening public sector transparency and accountability.
Structure and Leadership
The Commission comprises a Chairman and twelve other members drawn from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, appointed to ensure national representation.
As of late 2025/early 2026, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN serves as the Chairman of ICPC. He has repeatedly emphasised transparency, governance, and community partnership in anti-corruption strategies.
The ICPC also operates a research and training arm — the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) — which promotes high-level training for public officers, civil society actors, and anti-corruption practitioners nationwide.
Core Activities in the Fight Against Corruption
Investigations and Prosecutions
The ICPC has opened and prosecuted numerous corruption cases involving public officials, including job scams in the National Assembly and high-profile petitions alleging misconduct by regulators.
Asset Recovery and Transparency Metrics
In recent reporting, the agency recovered assets and cash exceeding N105.8 billion over a one-year period and secured multiple convictions, while also earning a top-three ranking among more than 500 public institutions for transparency and accountability in a national integrity index.
The Commission also realised N1.86 billion from the sale of forfeited assets — the highest such amount since inception — demonstrating its focus on depriving corrupt actors of illicit gains.
Project Tracking Initiatives
One of ICPC’s major preventive initiatives is the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Exercise (CEPT), through which the agency monitors the implementation and value of publicly funded projects across states to ensure value for money and reduce mismanagement. Recent phases have tracked over N600 billion in project value, with ongoing efforts in Sokoto, Katsina, and other states to inspect infrastructure, water supply systems, and school facilities.
Youth and Public Engagement
Beyond enforcement, the Commission regularly engages students and youth as champions of integrity, promoting anti-corruption values and civic responsibility as part of long-term prevention.
Strategic Focus Areas
Youth Reorientation and Public Enlightenment
ICPC has actively promoted ethical education and community involvement in governance reforms — acknowledging that corruption’s root causes span beyond mere financial crimes into social, cultural, and institutional behaviours.
Local Government Accountability
The Commission is also expanding efforts to tackle corruption at the local government level — launching programmes to improve accountability and transparency where public service delivery impacts grassroots communities most.
Recent High-Profile Developments (2025–Early 2026)
Transparency and Governance Messages
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ICPC leadership reaffirmed the centrality of transparency in sustainable development and the rule of law.
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Senior officials noted that corruption in Nigeria remains deep and extensive, suggesting that further systemic reform is required.
Major Investigations and Partnerships
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The Commission initiated investigations into allegations from leading business figures, including petitions involving senior regulators in the petroleum sector.
Public Sector Engagement
ICPC continues cooperation with other government ministries to audit and verify major road and infrastructure contracts, highlighting the connection between procurement corruption and development outcomes.
Challenges and Impact
While ICPC’s work is widely recognised, Nigeria’s complex corruption landscape means the agency operates in a challenging environment — requiring coordination with other anti-graft bodies, civil society, and international partners. However, its progress in convictions, asset recovery, transparent reporting, and youth engagement signals an evolving institution increasingly central to Nigeria’s governance reforms.
Conclusion
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission remains a cornerstone institution in Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture. With a statutory mandate that blends enforcement, prevention, and public education, ongoing project monitoring, high-profile investigations, and expanded community engagement, the ICPC continues to play a critical role in promoting accountability, integrity, and transparency in public administration across Nigeria.
