Lack of integrity fuelling Nigeria’s challenges — ICPC

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, has identified poor integrity and weak ethical standards as major drivers of Nigeria’s governance and developmental challenges.

Aliyu made the remarks on Wednesday while delivering his opening address at the International Conference on Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Integrity in Governance held in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The event was organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the training arm of the ICPC.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Strengthening Integrity Systems for Sustainable Development and Public Trust in Nigeria,” he stressed the urgent need to reinforce ethical compliance across all sectors.

According to him, many of the country’s problems stem from a failure to uphold integrity and accountability in both public and private institutions.

He noted that tackling corruption requires a collective approach, adding that anti-graft agencies alone cannot win the fight.

“The anti-corruption effort must involve public institutions, the private sector, civil society, professional bodies, faith-based organisations, the media, academia, and citizens,” he said.

Aliyu emphasised the need for stronger collaboration and sustained commitment to rebuild public trust and improve governance systems.

He added that the conference was designed to generate practical, evidence-based solutions to corruption and promote reforms.

In his remarks, the Provost of ACAN, Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, described corruption as a major obstacle to socio-economic development, noting that the gathering aimed to produce actionable policy recommendations.

Also speaking, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, called for a more decisive and action-oriented approach, warning that rhetoric alone would not effectively address corruption.

Nigeria continues to face widespread concerns over corruption, weak institutional accountability, and governance deficits, with repeated calls for stronger integrity systems across all sectors.