The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to leverage cutting-edge technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to intensify its fight against corruption in Nigeria. This announcement was made by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), during the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) Members Hybrid Interactive Forum held in Abuja on Thursday.
Dr. Aliyu highlighted the potential of AI and other technological solutions to tackle corruption, which has long plagued the nation’s public sector. “Technology can work wonders because it is not biased like humans. It can help us tackle challenges if we use it properly and effectively,” he said.
He further disclosed that the ICPC, within a span of 24 hours, had recovered ₦4 billion of public funds that had been diverted into private accounts by corrupt public officials. “It is alarming to see how much money is being misappropriated. Some individuals have billions of naira in their possession for personal gain, instead of using it for the benefit of the nation,” he remarked.
Leveraging Technology for Transparency
The ICPC Chairman underscored the crucial role of AI in promoting accountability and transparency, particularly in public spending and procurement. According to Dr. Aliyu, the use of digital platforms and advanced technologies like blockchain and data analytics can significantly reduce practices such as contract inflation, manipulation, and other corrupt activities.
“By implementing tech-driven processes, we can enhance the integrity of public procurement and eliminate the inefficiencies caused by outdated or inaccurate data,” he explained. Aliyu emphasized that embracing AI would enable the commission to streamline processes, ensuring that public funds are used for their intended purposes.
He also acknowledged systemic flaws in Nigeria’s public spending framework and highlighted the need for preventive strategies to combat corruption. “Social integrity and capacity building are essential. Civic engagement and public education are key to ensuring that people understand their rights and responsibilities,” he said, noting that citizens who are aware can hold public officials accountable.
Call for Legislative Support and Whistleblower Protection
Dr. Aliyu called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Whistleblower Protection Act, stressing that whistleblowers play a vital role in the fight against corruption. “To effectively fight corruption, there is a need to protect whistleblowers. Their courage must be supported by strong legal frameworks,” he urged.
Fighting Corruption as a Collective Responsibility
In his remarks, Mr. Muhuyi Magaji, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, emphasized that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. “When citizens join hands against corruption, it becomes much easier to defeat the monster. It is not for us at the government level to fight corruption alone; it requires the involvement of everyone,” Magaji said.
Mr. Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at the ICPC, also addressed participants at the forum, encouraging them to approach the fight against corruption without sentiment and to fully understand the commission’s enabling Act. He likened the fight to a “marathon race” that requires perseverance and endurance to win.
Bakare assured stakeholders of the ICPC’s continued support in their collective efforts to eradicate corruption in the country. “Fighting corruption is not a sprint, but a long-term commitment that requires the involvement of all sectors,” he concluded.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of corruption, the deployment of AI and other technological tools by the ICPC marks a significant shift in strategy, promising to strengthen transparency, accountability, and governance across the public sector.
