ICPC Seeks Support Against Systemic Corruption, Job Racketeering

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has reiterated the commission’s commitment to collaborating to promote fairness, transparency and integrity in public sector recruitment processes.

Aliyu made this known when he received the executive secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Maj-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (rtd) and his delegation, who were on a visit to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.

ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare said during the meeting, Dr. Aliyu emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling systemic corruption and abuse of office, particularly in recruitment processes.

He appealed to the CDCFIB to uphold meritocracy and provide a level playing field for young Nigerians applying for jobs under the Board’s supervision.

The ICPC chairman also expressed concern over the increasing cases of job racketeering and alerted that unchecked practices undermine national development and discourage foreign direct investment.
According to him, “One area I have always raised concerns about is the area of employment. Many young Nigerians are challenged with job opportunities. Agencies of government should try to exercise fairness, try and foster a level playing ground for all, irrespective of where they come from.

“Heads of government agencies in particular should be mindful of fairness in recruitment processes, to avoid undermining cohesion”.

ICPC boss also proposed the idea of solidifying collaborations with the CDCFIB by way of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies to enhance intelligence sharing, capacity building, and collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

In his remarks, Major-General Jibril (rtd), thanked the ICPC chairman for the warm reception and underscored the importance of understanding the functions of ICPC in guiding the operations of the CDCFIB.

Jibril expressed the Board’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Commission in promoting integrity and transparency in the CDCFIB’s operations.