ICPC Chairman Advocates Technology-Driven Approach to Tackling Modern Corruption
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has called for a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy, stressing that modern corruption can no longer be effectively tackled with outdated methods.
Speaking at the Institute for Ethics and Professional Studies (IFEPS)/ICPC Stakeholders Conference held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Aliyu declared that the growing sophistication of corruption, driven by digital technology, demands innovative and technology-based responses.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, the ICPC Chairman said the conference, themed “Securing Tomorrow: Ethics at the Frontier of Innovation,” was timely as corruption has become increasingly digital, faster and more complex.
“We cannot fight 21st century corruption with 20th century tools,” Aliyu said, noting that anti-corruption institutions must continuously adapt their ethical standards and operational strategies to keep pace with evolving criminal methods.
He identified three strategic initiatives the Commission is pursuing to strengthen integrity and accountability across the country. They include the C-H-I-L-D-R-E-N Values Initiative, aimed at instilling honesty, discipline and respect among children from an early age; the Citizens Digital Responsibility Initiative (CDRI), which promotes ethical online conduct while addressing cybercrime, misinformation and digital fraud; and the newly established Ethics Endowment Fund (EEF) to provide sustainable funding for ethics education, public awareness campaigns and institutional integrity programmes.
Aliyu reaffirmed that while law enforcement and prosecution remain central to the ICPC’s mandate, lasting success against corruption requires building a national culture where integrity becomes the accepted norm.
He noted that the Commission has already laid significant foundations through programmes such as the National Values Curriculum (NVC), the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) and the Sexual Harassment Policy.
In her welcome address, Executive Director of the Institute for Ethics and Professional Studies (IFEPS), Dr. Uyim Akpabio, said the conference was convened at a critical period when technological advancement is outpacing regulatory frameworks, making it imperative to embed ethical principles into innovation.
She observed that artificial intelligence, data technologies and digital platforms are reshaping governance and society, insisting that integrity must remain the cornerstone of technological progress.
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Akpabio commended the ICPC for championing the National Values Curriculum and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy, describing them as complementary frameworks for promoting ethical values among young Nigerians and strengthening integrity in both public and private institutions.
She explained that the conference was built around three core objectives—Alignment, Action and Activation—with the goal of bringing together government institutions, academia, civil society organisations, the private sector, faith-based groups, the media and families to promote ethics as a shared national responsibility.
She also urged participants, particularly children and young people, to become ambassadors of the C-H-I-L-D-R-E-N Values Initiative, the Citizens Digital Responsibility Initiative, the National Values Curriculum and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy within their schools, workplaces and communities.
Earlier, Chairperson of the IFEPS Board, Prof. Ekanem Braide, represented by Ambassador Anthonia Ekpa, said the organisers streamlined the conference from two days to one to maximise participation, focus and impact without compromising the quality of deliberations.
She warned that rapid technological advancement without ethical safeguards could deepen inequality, spread misinformation and erode public confidence in institutions. She added that the conference would also witness the joint launch of three flagship initiatives by IFEPS and ICPC aimed at institutionalising ethics, integrity and responsible digital citizenship across Nigeria.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Assistant Corps Commander Agboola Olundegun said technology must be guided by integrity, transparency, accountability and professionalism to improve governance and public trust.
He highlighted the FRSC’s deployment of digital driver’s licence and number plate administration, electronic traffic enforcement, real-time patrol monitoring and crash data management systems, while stressing that technology alone cannot eliminate corruption without strong ethical values.
Also speaking, the Director of the Civil Infrastructure Department at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Mr. Nasir M. Bello, who represented the Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, described the conference as timely and underscored the importance of collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and civil society in promoting transparency and accountability.
Bello reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to due process and transparent public procurement, expressing confidence that the conference would strengthen partnerships and generate practical strategies for advancing ethical leadership and deepening Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
By PRNigeria
