The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has emphasized the need for greater preventive strategies, institutional safeguards, and innovative approaches to address corruption risks in Nigeria. ICPC Head, Media and Public Communications, John Odey, stated that the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), made the call at the Fourth International Diplomatic Dialogue organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in Abuja. The dialogue featured the Minister Counsellor/Charge d’ Affairs of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Igor Ivannikov.
Dr. Aliyu noted that corruption poses a major threat to development, making it imperative for anti-corruption institutions to explore practical approaches that strengthen institutions, promote transparency and accountability, and enhance public trust. He stressed that Nigeria can learn from comparative experiences, understanding best practices, and identifying innovative approaches that can be adapted to its local realities. The ICPC Chairman charged participants to translate lessons from the Dialogue into practical actions that strengthen institutions and improve anti-corruption outcomes.
The Fourth International Diplomatic Dialogue, themed: “Development of Anti-Corruption Strategies and Policies: The Russian National Experience,” aimed to share Russia’s experience in developing and implementing preventive, legal, and enforcement measures against corruption. Mr. Ivannikov identified declaration of income and assets by public officials, expenditure monitoring, and prevention of conflicts of interest as some of the preventive instruments deployed under the Russian system. He also highlighted anti-corruption review of legislation as another preventive mechanism.
According to Mr. Ivannikov, an effective anti-corruption system must combine the suppression of offences already committed with measures that address their underlying causes. He noted that criminal punishment alone does not eliminate the conditions that enable corruption. The Russian diplomat also outlined the enforcement component of his country’s anti-corruption system, including investigation of corruption-related crimes, tracing and freezing of illicit assets, prosecution, and eventual determination of cases by the courts.
Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Provost of ACAN, provided the background to the Dialogue, highlighting the evolution of Russia’s anti-corruption legal and institutional framework. He identified some of Russia’s major contemporary anti-corruption legislation, including the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, the Code of Administrative Offences, and the Federal Law on Combating Corruption. Professor Ibrahim noted that these laws provide part of the legal architecture within which the country’s anti-corruption institutions operate.
The Russian diplomat also highlighted the importance of digital platforms and risk-based monitoring in enhancing transparency in procurement and contract administration. He stressed that digitalisation cannot eliminate corruption without effective oversight, access to information, and accountability for violations. Mr. Ivannikov also identified internal institutional measures, such as codes of ethics and conflict-of-interest procedures, as important components of a preventive anti-corruption framework.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Aliyu, emphasized that knowledge acquired from the engagement should contribute to stronger institutions and improved anti-corruption outcomes. He charged participants to ensure that the knowledge and experience shared during the Dialogue inspire practical actions that strengthen institutions, enhance public trust, and contribute to national and continental development. The Dialogue aimed to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between Nigeria and Russia in the fight against corruption.
Key points
- ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu calls for greater emphasis on preventive strategies against corruption.
- Russia shares its experience in developing and implementing preventive, legal, and enforcement measures against corruption.
- The Dialogue aims to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing between Nigeria and Russia in the fight against corruption.
