ICPC recovers N52bn, $966,900, intercepts N5.9bn diverted funds

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered over N52 billion and $966,900.83 in the last one year.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), disclosed this at an event to mark his one year anniversary as the chairman of the commission in Abuja on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Aliyu said the ICPC also intercepted and stopped the diversion of N5.882 billion in 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) within the same period.

He attributed the achievement to ICPC’s commitment to the rule of law, adaptation to evolving trends and equipping its workforce with ICT capacity in the fight against corruption.

The ICPC boss said: “The current administration’s anti-corruption agenda and my own policy thrust encapsulated in the acronym ‘CARE’ for impact, have further motivated the Commission to enhance its tools, approaches, and engagements.

“I am therefore bold and proud to reflect on the modest progress we have made and the challenges we have overcome so far.

“These accomplishments include notable asset recoveries, enforcement actions, and initiatives promoting transparency and good governance.

“For instance, through its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), the Commission continues to ensure accountability in government funds and delivery of tangible benefits of democracy to citizens across Nigeria.”

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Aliyu stated that in the area of asset recovery, N29.70 billion in cash was recovered and presently domiciled in ICPC recovery accounts.

He said in the same vein N10.98 billion in VAT was recovered and remitted to FIRS, while N10 billion COVID-19 vaccine fund meant for the production of vaccine was remitted to the treasury.

The ICPC chairman further stated that the commission also recovered value of assets to the tune of N2.5 billion through various courts’ order of final forfeiture.

Aliyu added that $966,900.83 was also retrieved and kept secured in the ICPC-CBN account balance brought forward.

He disclosed that the commission intercepted over N5 billion while conducting a Systems Study and Review (SSR) of the MDAs through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

The ICPC boss said: “As part of its commitment to institutional accountability, the commission assessed 323 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) through its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS).

“It also established 80 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) across MDAs to reinforce its anti-corruption efforts.

“While doing these, the commission stopped the diversion of public funds to the tune of N5.882 billion.”

The Star