ICPC Chair Links Corruption To Economic Instability, Uncovers N22.53tn Project Scam

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has emphasized the importance of anti-corruption reforms in achieving economic stability. According to Aliyu, corruption has a profound impact on the country's economic transformation, as it diverts public resources, weakens institutions, and discourages investment. He made these remarks during the 4th Economic Confidential Lecture and 6th National Spokespersons Awards, where he stressed that integrity in public administration is crucial for economic stability and development outcomes. The ICPC boss also revealed that the commission had uncovered fresh cases of payroll fraud in the public service, including an official who allegedly placed 14 members of his family on the government payroll. Another individual was found to have enrolled his wife, children, and other relatives as public servants, collecting 13 salaries. The commission has identified about 900 suspected ghost workers and has published their names, challenging those listed to prove their legitimacy. Aliyu noted that the investigation into ghost workers lasted about a year, during which the commission uncovered sophisticated manipulation of government payroll systems. The ICPC has recovered over N24 billion in 2024 from ghost pension-related activities and is strengthening collaboration with other government agencies to prevent and detect corruption. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also spoke at the occasion, emphasizing the need to move beyond arrests and prosecutions to strengthening institutions and systems capable of preventing abuse. The Central Bank of Nigeria's acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, was named the 2026 Spokesperson of the Year at the awards.