The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, has revealed that 70% of Nigerians approached for bribes in 2023 refused to comply.
Aliyu disclosed this on Monday during an ICPC roundtable with state attorneys-general from the North-West region, held in Kano. The event focused on strengthening the commission’s capacity for preventing corruption.
Findings on Corruption Trends
Citing the 2023 Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends Report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Aliyu highlighted the persistent issue of bribery across the country.
“Bribery is most common in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, Aliyu shared encouraging news about Nigerians’ resistance to corruption.
“In 2023, 70% of Nigerians approached for a bribe refused to comply at least once. In the North-West, 76% of individuals resisted bribery demands—the highest refusal rate among Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, reflecting a growing resistance to corruption in the region.”
Call for Collaboration
Aliyu emphasized the shared responsibility of federal and state governments in the fight against corruption, advocating for partnerships to build more accountable and transparent systems.
“The ICPC remains committed to using its authority to combat corruption effectively. Citizens, especially in the North-West, must continue resisting bribery demands,” he said.
He also reiterated the importance of partnerships in anti-corruption efforts, referencing Pillar Five of Nigeria’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS II), which underscores collaboration between stakeholders.
The roundtable underscored the ICPC’s resolve to foster a corruption-resistant culture nationwide.
