The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered N20 billion in pensions paid to ghost workers in 2024.
The commission’s chairman, Musa Aliyu disclosed this during a media parley with editors in Abuja.
Aliyu said proactive measures have been key to fighting corruption in the country.
He said the commission was able to track and recover the misappropriated funds and identify individuals who had fraudulently enrolled non-existent workers into the system.
“In 2024, we recovered over N20 billion that was illegally paid as pensions to ghost workers. During our investigations, we found out that some individuals even placed their spouses, children and in-laws on the government payroll,” he said.
Beyond recovering misallocated funds, ICPC also stopped the theft of N50 billion from a government ministry in 2023.
Aliyu said the commission’s quick intervention stopped the illegal diversion of the funds, saying the agency is committed to financial accountability.
The ICPC chairman shared his personal experiences as Jigawa State’s Attorney-General between 2019 and 2023 on the challenges of fighting corruption.
He recalled how those with interests opposed his efforts and spread false narratives to bring him down. But he held on, attributing his strength to divine guidance.
Aliyu said ICPC doesn’t sensationalize cases in the media as suspects are innocent until proven guilty. Instead, the commission relies on verified reports, newsletters, press releases and digital platforms to share its activities while protecting informants and maintaining the integrity of investigations.
Looking ahead, he urged Nigerian journalists to work with ICPC in raising awareness and supporting anti-corruption initiatives, saying national progress depends on our collective effort to fight corruption.
He warned that those involved in corruption often unite to resist accountability but the fight against corruption is one we all must actively support.
“If we don’t fight corruption today, our children will suffer. Corruption will cripple our economy and destroy our future,” he warned.
To increase transparency, Aliyu disclosed that the commission is working with credible civil society organizations to implement anti-corruption programme at the local government level.
It is gwtherec that the programme focuses on proactive disclosure of financial transactions, procurement processes and corruption control measures.
He also assured the public that all assets recovered from corrupt officials are managed strictly under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
To ensure transparency in asset disposal, a special panel of civil society representatives, media personnel and procurement experts has been set up tosupervise public auctions.
Aliyu advocated for legal reforms to make corruption a less attractive crime.
He drew examples from other countries, saying some countries make convicted corrupt officials to pay back stolen funds with interest and ban them from holding public office for a long time.
He suggested that if we adopt same in Nigeria it will be a stronger deterrent.
The ICPC’s efforts show that we must be vigilant in the fight against corruption.
While there are challenges, we must take decisive action and be collectively responsible for Nigeria’s future.
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