The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has convened a regional conference of Attorneys-General from Nigeria’s South-South region to strengthen institutional collaboration and deepen corruption prevention efforts.
Speaking at the event, ICPC chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu described the event as a vital step in the collective resolve to tackle the enduring problem of corruption.
He said, “The fight against corruption demands multifaceted strategies. No single institution can achieve this alone. The roles of State Attorneys-General are therefore crucial, and continuous engagement is imperative.”
He recalled the inaugural roundtable with 32 out of 36 State Attorneys-General held in Abuja on 3rd September 2024, which laid the foundation for regional dialogues and noted that the South-South region showed remarkable participation at the pilot event, signaling a strong commitment to anti-corruption reforms.
Following the Abuja roundtable, ICPC also held a regional engagement with North-West Attorneys-General in Kano, further advancing the momentum for state-level anti-corruption collaboration.
Spokesperson of the ICPC, Demola Bakare said Dr. Aliyu highlighted key outcomes from the Abuja engagement, including the recommendation for a digital tool to track local government funds.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Akwa Ibom State, emphasized the constitutional authority of States to establish legal and institutional frameworks to combat corruption.
He cautioned that federal overreach through interpretations of federal laws like the ICPC Act can undermine state-level efforts, stressing that “The doctrine of covering the field has blurred the separation between the Exclusive and Concurrent Legislative Lists. Each region has its peculiarities, and the zonal approach adopted by the ICPC is laudable for crafting region-specific strategies.”
With the theme “Institutional Integrity and Regional Cooperation: The Role of Attorneys-General in Advancing a Corruption-Free South-South”, the conference marks a significant milestone in ICPC’s strategic engagement with key justice sector stakeholders across Nigeria.
