Politics
THE Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called for sustained legislative reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption legal and institutional framework, stressing that the country’s laws must continually evolve to address emerging corruption trends and governance challenges.
Dr. Aliyu made the call on Thursday while delivering his welcome address at a One-Day Interactive Session on “The Role of Parliamentarians in the Fight Against Corruption,” held at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, the 16th of July.
Welcoming participants, including the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, heads of anti-corruption agencies, members of the National Assembly, development partners and other stakeholders, the ICPC Chairman described Parliament as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture owing to its
constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, appropriation and oversight.
He observed that corruption has become increasingly sophisticated through technological innovation, complex financial crimes and emerging governance challenges, making it imperative for the nation’s legal framework to adapt accordingly.
According to him, continuous legislative reforms are essential to close legal loopholes, strengthen whistleblower protection, improve asset recovery mechanisms and enhance the administration of criminal justice.
“Our experience has consistently affirmed one fundamental truth: no anti-corruption agency can succeed in isolation. The fight against corruption is a shared national responsibility, and Parliament occupies a uniquely strategic position in that collective effort,” Dr. Aliyu stated.
He explained that while the Commission remains committed to investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, it places equal emphasis on prevention through system reviews, public education, policy reforms and strategic partnerships that promote integrity, accountability and good governance.
Speaking on Parliament’s appropriation function, the ICPC Chairman described the national budget as the principal instrument for delivering development to Nigerians and stressed the need for transparency, accountability and value for money throughout the budget implementation process.
Dr. Aliyu clarified that the Commission’s Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) was conceived as a collaborative accountability mechanism rather than a tool for targeting legislators.
He noted that stronger collaboration between the National Assembly and the ICPC would ensure that contractors and implementing agencies are held accountable for delivering quality constituency and executive projects that have direct impact on citizens.
He further challenged lawmakers to provide ethical leadership both within the legislature and in their constituencies, noting that integrity among public office holders significantly influences public trust and confidence in government.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to strategic engagement with the legislature, Dr. Aliyu maintained that when legislative authority is effectively aligned with robust preventive, investigative, enforcement and oversight mechanisms, corruption has less room to thrive, public confidence in public institutions is strengthened and national development is accelerated.
In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, described parliamentarians as indispensable partners in the fight against corruption, noting that their constitutional responsibilities for legislation, oversight and representation place them at the centre of promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.
He urged lawmakers to continually review existing laws, close legal loopholes, strengthen anti-corruption institutions and enact legislation that promotes greater transparency and accountability in public service.
The Minister also commended the ICPC for its effective monitoring and supervision of projects under the Ministry of Works, noting that the Ministry would continue to collaborate closely with the Commission by recognising contractors who deliver quality projects while ensuring appropriate sanctions for those whose works fall below approved standards.
The interactive session featured goodwill messages from the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udende, represented by his Chief of Staff; the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Honourable Prince Moshood Akiolu; the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau; representatives of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); the Director-General of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU); and the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).
The event also featured a lead presentation by Honourable Farah Maalim Mohammed, a former Deputy Speaker and veteran Kenyan Parliamentarian, who delivered a paper titled “The Role of Parliamentarians in the Fight Against Corruption”
During his presentation, Honourable Farah Maalim Mohammed called on parliamentarians across Africa to take a more proactive role in combating corruption by strengthening legislative oversight, promoting transparency in public finance, and ensuring accountability in government. He highlighted global best practices, urging legislators to champion institutional reforms, support independent anti-corruption agencies, encourage citizen participation, and uphold the rule of law as critical pillars for reducing corruption and enhancing democratic governance.
J. Okor Odey, Spokesperson/Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC
A.I
July 17, 2026
Tags: Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu Honourable Farah Maalim Mohammed ICPC Senator David Umahi