ICPC kept a close eye on ₦21.23tn worth of infrastructure developments, including roads and bridges, in a bid to stamp out corrupt practices, says its Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has been monitoring projects worth over ₦21.23 trillion under the Federal Ministry of Works, as part of its efforts to prevent corruption and ensure accountability in public spending, with the commission's chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, disclosing this information on Thursday in Abuja.

Dr. Musa Aliyu made this revelation at an ICPC/Nigerian Union of Journalists workshop, which was themed “Reinvigorating the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2022–2026): A Post-Assessment Roadmap for the Fourth Estate”, where he highlighted the commission's prioritisation of prevention through oversight of public expenditure.

The commission's Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative has been at the forefront of this effort, with the commission monitoring about 950 projects across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory valued at approximately ₦415.25bn during recent phases of project tracking.

This tracking exercise has yielded significant results, including the exposure of abandoned and underperforming projects, compelling contractors to return to sites, and strengthening accountability in public service delivery, thereby serving as a preventive tool to ensure value for money and deter corrupt practices.

According to Dr. Musa Aliyu, the commission has prioritised oversight of public expenditure through the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative, to ensure that public funds translate into tangible outcomes for citizens, with the commission also tracking projects under the Federal Ministry of Works valued at over ₦21.23 trillion.

These interventions have been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability, with Dr. Musa Aliyu stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the media and anti-corruption agencies, describing journalists as critical partners in this endeavour.

Dr. Musa Aliyu urged journalists to deepen investigative reporting and promote responsible journalism to support the anti-corruption drive, noting that the media remains one of the most powerful instruments in the fight against corruption.

As watchdogs, agenda-setters, and catalysts for reform, journalists play a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability, with Dr. Musa Aliyu calling on them to leverage their position to drive positive change.

The ICPC's engagement with journalists, including the recent workshop, is aimed at generating ideas, strengthening collaboration, and developing actionable contributions towards the next phase of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

The workshop formed part of the commission's ongoing engagement with the media to strengthen collaboration in the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2022–2026), with the initiative designed to reinforce the role of journalists in promoting transparency, accountability, and public awareness in the fight against corruption.