Digital Transformation: ICPC Recovers Stolen N4bn Within 24 Hours

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) tracked and recovered about N4 billion stolen public funds in 24 hours, Chairman Musa Aliyu said yesterday.

According to him, the deployment of digital platforms has led to the tracking of N220 billion assets across critical sectors in 2023.

Aliyu said this at a one-day National Anti-corruption Coalition (NACC) members’ hybrid interactive forum in Abuja. He stressed the agency’s commitment to recovering more stolen public money.

The chairman said they would ensure total compliance with the Supreme Court judgement granting local governments’ financial autonomy.

He appealed to the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Bill into law to encourage “individuals to contribute to the anti-corruption fight without fear of retaliation”.

Aliyu said: “We live in an era where technology is integral to every aspect of life. “From mobile banking to digital records management, technology offers significant opportunities for enhancing public service delivery, particularly in our anti-corruption efforts.

“The potential of digital platforms to track, analyse, and expose corrupt practices, such as salary padding and ghost workers, cannot be overemphasised, as we at ICPC have seen through our study and review of the IPPIS.

“Within the last 24 hours (September 18-19), we recovered close to N4 billion public funds, which has left the government coffers into private custody.”

He added: “Nigeria must fully embrace digital transformation across all sectors to create a more transparent environment that leaves little room for corruption.”

On the Commission’s move to give effect to the apex bank’s “progressive” verdict, Aliyu said: “As a body charged with combating corruption, the ICPC recognises the importance of the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional principles, including the autonomy of local governments.

“The Supreme Court’s decision emphasises the need for a democratically elected local government council in the management of public funds at the local level.

“In this context, the ICPC will intensify its efforts to ensure compliance with the judgment, particularly in preventing the diversion of local government funds. Upholding local government autonomy is crucial to promoting accountability, reducing corruption, and ensuring that resources are effectively used for community development.”