The chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, said corrupt practices and other related offences undermine the rule of law by compromising transparency and fostering a culture of impunity.
Aliyu stated this at the ongoing 3rd African International Conference on The Rule of Law, Public Service and National Development, which commenced on Tuesday at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State.
The ICPC chairman, represented by the provost of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), Professor Olatunde Babawale, said that corrupt practices foster a culture of impunity and erode public trust in government institutions.
Aliyu described the rule of law as the cornerstone of national development, providing the framework required not just to preserve democracy but also to ensure accountability in governance and protect human rights.
He further added “When people believe that public officials are corrupt and act without consequence, they are less likely to follow laws, pay taxes, or engage in democratic processes”.
According to him, “Institutional reforms are needed to strengthen governance structures, promote openness, and facilitate public participation. We must all get involved if we want to achieve a corruption-free Nigeria. Thus, all stakeholders are to join forces to combat corrupt practices and other related offences to achieve a corruption-free Nigeria.”
Also speaking, the guest of honour and keynote speaker at the event, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, president of the Court of Appeal, stated „The conference is of great importance as it makes way for the critical means to ensure the enforcement of the rule of law and the fundamental principles of public law and also to maintain and enhance the integrity of public service.“
Good Governance establishes credibility, which is a critical prerequisite of accessing resources; good governance engenders trust, which facilitates the collaboration necessary to achieve collective goals,“ she added.
