ICPC Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability, Criminal Justice Reform, and Youth Value Reorientation at NAS 2025

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reiterated its core commitment to strengthening accountability, reforming the criminal justice system, and promoting value reorientation among the youth of Nigeria. 

The pledge was made by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, through his representative, Mr. John Okor Odey, Deputy Director and Head of the Education Division, at the Nigeria Accountability Summit (NAS) 2025 in Abuja. The Summit was themed “Strengthening Accountability for Inclusive Economic Growth.”

Mr. Odey, who served as a panelist at the event (jointly organized by Step Up Nigeria, Accountability Lab, and UNODC), highlighted several key areas:

Criminal Justice Reform: He stressed that a "fast-tracked and effective criminal justice system" is vital for building public confidence in anti-corruption efforts. A transparent and fair process is essential for deterring corruption and restoring trust in governance.

Institutional Integrity: The ICPC is actively engaged in inter-agency collaboration, system reviews, and policy advocacy to enhance efficiency and fairness in public administration. Mr. Odey emphasized that fighting corruption requires reforming law enforcement, investigation, prosecution, and community engagement processes.

Youth Engagement:The Commission's strategic focus includes moral education and youth engagement through the establishment of Students Anti-Corruption Clubs and Vanguards in educational institutions nationwide. This is aimed at cultivating a future generation of accountable leaders.

Commission’s Independence: Mr. Odey assured the audience that the ICPC operates with full independence, noting that there has been "no evidence or record of government interference" in the Commission’s work.

He concluded by calling for continuous partnership among all stakeholders

anti-corruption agencies, the judiciary, civil society, and the private sector—to build a just and accountable society.

The panel session, “Strengthening Social Sanctions to Promote Integrity in Public Administration for Inclusive Growth,” also featured panelists from the Code of Conduct Bureau, NBA Garki Branch, UNODC, and Integrity Icon.