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The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has said that transparency is essential for Nigeria’s long-term development, warning that weak accountability systems continue to damage institutions, discourage investors, and slow economic growth.
Dr. Aliyu, represented by the Director of Public Education, Mr. Demola Bakare, spoke at an Anti-Corruption Day event organised to mark the Corporate Affairs Commission’s (CAC) 35th anniversary. At the same event, the CAC Registrar-General/CEO, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, SAN, also urged stronger cooperation among government agencies in the fight against corruption.
Delivering a keynote address titled ‘Transparency and Development: The Nigerian Experience,’ the ICPC chairman said transparent governance is now a domestic necessity, not just a reform pushed by external partners, adding that countries that build strong accountability systems consistently achieve sustainable growth.
“Our historical experience shows that weak transparency in governance and corporate practices has been the fertile ground for corruption, tax evasion, and illicit financial flows. These practices have systematically undermined our institutions and slowed our development, proving that failure often stems from opaque systems, not a lack of resources.
“The true effectiveness of transparency legislation depends entirely on its implementation, enforcement, and a supportive institutional culture,” he said.
Dr. Aliyu also called for deeper collaboration among agencies, wider use of open data in policymaking, and greater participation by citizens and the private sector in promoting accountability.
Supporting the call for cooperation, the CAC Registrar-General said coordinated information-sharing among agencies is critical to successfully prosecuting financial crimes and strengthening national integrity systems.
“No agency can succeed in isolation. We must deepen information sharing and conduct joint investigations to ensure our collective efforts translate into measurable outcomes for Nigeria,” Magaji said.
The event, attended by stakeholders from several governance and anti-corruption institutions, also featured a panel discussion on strengthening integrity systems.
