ICPC Recovers 4bn From Public Office Holders In 24 Hours

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Relevant Offences Commission, ICPC, says within 24 hours, the commission has recovered about four billion Naira stolen by public office holders.

 

ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu made this revelation on Thursday in Abuja at a One-Day National Anti-Corruption Coalition, NACC, Members Hybrid Interactive Forum.

 

Dr Aliyu said the ICPC would deploy technological measures, especially AI to unravel corrupt practices easily.

 

 

”Today, I want to underscore the potential of technological solutions in promoting accountability and good governance.

 

”Technology can work wonders because it is not biased like humans. It can help us tackle challenges if we use it properly and effectively.

 

”This technology, as I have mentioned, has the capability to address numerous issues.

 

”We know there are digital platforms that sometimes, unfortunately, contribute to corruption

 

”However, I can tell you that in the last 24 hours, we have been able to recover four billion Naira of public funds, which were diverted into private accounts,” he said.

 

According to him, it is alarming to see how much money is being misappropriated, and some individuals have billions of naira in their possession for personal gain.

 

It is a shocking reality that people are hoarding public funds, instead of using them for the benefit of the nation.

 

As a commission, we are utilising technology and management systems to restore confidence in the fight against corruption.

 

”We are committed to ensuring transparency in this endeavour,” he said.

 

Aliyu said that there were systemic flaws in the country, especially regarding public spending.

 

He said that there was the need to invest in technology that could help minimise the challenges of corruption, particularly in public procurement.

 

By implementing tech-driven processes, we can reduce practices like contract inflation.

 

”Using technologies like blockchain can help eliminate manipulation and ensure the integrity of public procurement.

 

”Data analytics are also crucial. The data we rely on is often outdated or inaccurate, which causes inefficiency.

 

”By embracing AI, we can easily convert certain processes to be more transparent and effective,” Aliyu said.

 

He underscored the importance of implementing preventive strategies to combat corruption.

 

”This is why social integrity and capacity building are essential. Civic engagement and public education are key to ensuring that people understand their rights and responsibilities.

 

”When citizens are aware, they can hold public officers accountable. We must empower our people. Four or five years ago, we could have seen this transformation if we had started then.

 

”There is the need to ensure that the systems we build today withstand the test of time and foster respect for human rights and dignity.

 

”We need to build a culture that discourages corruption and promotes ethical governance,” he said.

 

He also called on the National Assembly to ensure speedy passage of the Whistle Blowing Act, adding that to fight corruption, there was the need to protect whistle blowers.