The chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu has called for the collaborative efforts of the media practitioners in tracking and reporting local government expenditure.
This follows the granting of financial autonomy to the local government areas as recently passed by the National Assembly.
The ICPC boss, who stated this in Abuja at a one-day workshop on “Effective Collaboration in Corruption Prevention with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)” noted that “The recent Supreme Court decision granting financial autonomy to local governments presents new opportunities for the ICPC and the media to collaborate in promoting transparency and accountability at the grassroots level. We are also advancing initiatives like the Local Government Integrity Initiative and advocating for Literary Activism to inspire behaviour change through literature, jingles, and thematic short videos.”
He also said the role of the media in shaping the society cannot be over emphasised, noting that the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and driving accountability. He noted that investigative journalism exposes corruption, holds public officials accountable, and facilitates transparency. He added that the ICPC has long valued its collaboration with the media, partnering on initiatives such as investigative training, radio and television programmes, and tracking anti-corruption projects, including the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative.
He further noted that “the media’s role in amplifying these efforts is critical to ensuring that public resources are utilised effectively and that projects meet quality specifications.”
Speaking on the importance of the media to the society, the ICPC boss said, “The media can also serve as a platform for advocacy, using editorials, blogs, and opinion pieces to raise public awareness about corruption. Furthermore, online campaigns via social media can mobilise public support for anti-corruption activities, while podcasts like our recently launched EthicsPod offer incisive discussions on ethics and integrity. The EthicsPod gives Nigerians a voice, allowing them to contribute ideas for promoting ethics, integrity, and the fight against corruption. You can find it on YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram @icpcnigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, the president of the NUJ, Chris Chris Isiguzo said, “Today, we are gathered here as journalists from across the nation, united by a shared goal: to explore the immense potential of the media as a force for positive change, especially in combating corruption. Corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to Nigeria’s progress. It undermines development, widens inequality, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty and instability. As journalists, we hold the power to shine a light on these injustices, to expose the truth, and to advocate for the transparency and accountability that are the bedrock of any functioning democracy.”
While speaking on the role of journalists in fighting corruption, the NUJ president said, “Journalists are the eyes and ears of society. We are often the first to uncover and report on the underhand dealings that threaten the nation’s future. The power of the pen is undeniable: it can expose corruption, challenge those in power, and empower citizens to demand accountability.
“Investigative journalism is perhaps one of the most important tools in exposing corruption. It is the relentless pursuit of hidden truths, uncovering illicit activities that corrupt officials and entities would prefer to keep in the shadows. By investigating and reporting on financial mismanagement, abuse of power, bribery, and fraud, journalists provide the public with the information they need to hold perpetrators accountable. This is not an easy task, but it is one that can yield significant change when pursued with integrity and dedication.”
