The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has assured Nigerians that all recovered assets will be periodically published, with their status and owners made public. This assurance was given during a media briefing in Abuja ahead of the General Assembly of the African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum (AARPF). The ICPC's Director, Special Services, Mohammed Hassan, disclosed that the commission will definitely publish recovered assets, stressing that nothing is hidden.
The media briefing was held in preparation for the AARPF, which is being held under the auspices of the African Union (AU) and has brought together 52 African countries in Abuja. Hassan, who is also the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, stated that anything recovered is for the public and will be declared by the ICPC. He emphasized that asset recovery has become an integral part of the fight against corruption worldwide, and it is not just about recovering assets, but ensuring that they are put to use for the benefit of the masses.
Hassan dismissed suggestions that practitioners are scared of developments in the sector, explaining that asset recovery is now a crucial aspect of anti-corruption efforts. He noted that some countries recover their assets without public knowledge, making comparison difficult. Hassan added that delegates will be taken to see some recovered assets in Nigeria, providing an opportunity to discuss what has been recovered and how it is being utilized.
The ICPC's pledge to transparency comes as the commission prepares to host the AARPF, which aims to harmonize the fight against corruption across Africa. Hassan stressed that the purpose of the programme is to synergize and come up with common strategies to deal with corruption. He noted that literally all African countries, about 52 to 54, will be attending the assembly.
The AARPF is an initiative of the African Union, which seeks to advance the fight against corruption through asset recovery. Hassan emphasized that asset recovery is an aspect of the fight against corruption that the African Union is advancing. He added that the programme will provide a platform for practitioners to share experiences and best practices in asset recovery.
The ICPC's commitment to transparency in recovered assets is seen as a significant step in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. By periodically publishing recovered assets, the commission aims to ensure that the public is informed about the status of recovered assets and their owners. This move is expected to promote accountability and transparency in the management of recovered assets.
The AARPF will provide a platform for African countries to share experiences and best practices in asset recovery, with the aim of enhancing the fight against corruption. The programme is expected to foster collaboration and coordination among anti-corruption agencies across Africa, leading to more effective asset recovery efforts.
Key points
- The ICPC has assured Nigerians that all recovered assets will be periodically published, with their status and owners made public.
- The African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum (AARPF) aims to harmonize the fight against corruption across Africa through asset recovery.
- The programme will provide a platform for practitioners to share experiences and best practices in asset recovery.
