Over 60% of corruption cases involve diversion of healthcare, infrastructure funds—ICPC
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu (SAN), has revealed that over 60 per cent of corruption cases investigated by the commission involve the diversion of public resources meant for critical projects such as healthcare and infrastructure.
Aliyu made this disclosure on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to formally introduce the commission’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments
According to him, the initiative aims to curb corruption, financial mismanagement, and governance deficiencies in Nigeria’s 774 local councils.
“Local governments play a vital role in delivering public services. However, many have struggled due to weak transparency mechanisms and the misappropriation of funds.
“This initiative is urgent—over 60% of corruption cases investigated by ICPC at this level involve the diversion of public resources meant for critical projects such as healthcare and infrastructure,” Aliyu stated.
He highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment, which affirmed financial autonomy for local governments.
Aliyu assured all that the ICPC remains committed to enforcing compliance with anti-corruption laws while fostering transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local government administration.
Explaining the benefits of the programme, he said the ACPP-LG is designed to improve financial management, governance standards, and proactive disclosure in local councils.
“Key objectives include: Ensuring transparency in local government operations. Facilitating proactive disclosure of financial and administrative activities. Enhancing citizen engagement in governance. Training local officials on ethical governance. Leveraging technology for transparency. Promoting collaboration between local governments and development partners. Establishing monitoring mechanisms for governance performance and Encouraging inclusive participation in decision-making,” Aliyu noted.
He added that to achieve these goals, the ICPC would utilise its investigative, prosecutorial, and regulatory functions to ensure compliance through legislative enforcement, periodic audits and oversight mechanisms to detect and address non-compliance.
Aliyu added that state governments must support local councils to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms without administrative bottlenecks. Beyond preventive measures, Aliyu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to prosecuting cases of fund diversion. He stressed that offenders would face the full weight of the law, ensuring that public resources are utilised for their intended purposes.
“Beyond these preventive measures, ICPC will not hesitate to prosecute cases of fund diversion, ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law. The ACPP-LG is not just about governance reform—it is about justice, deterrence, and ensuring that public resources serve the people as intended.
“The fight against corruption at the grassroots level is a fight for Nigeria’s future. Let us work together to ensure that every kobo meant for development is used for the people,” he said.
