The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has raised concerns about widespread embezzlement in Nigeria’s local government system. This comes as the country prepares to implement financial autonomy for local governments.
To address corruption at the grassroots level, the ICPC has announced a new initiative called the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments (CPP-LG). This initiative aims to promote transparency, prevent financial mismanagement and strengthen accountability in local government administration.
ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), made this announcement at a summit in Gombe State. He highlighted major issues affecting local governance, including embezzlement, nepotism, inflated contracts and resource misallocation. According to him, these corrupt practices weaken local governments, reduce efficiency and erode public trust.
As part of the CPP-LG initiative, the ICPC plans to enhance financial autonomy, professionalize local government services, encourage citizen participation and strengthen institutional mechanisms. The commission will also enforce existing anti-corruption laws more strictly.
The ICPC has already begun monitoring local government performance through regular audits, public reporting and increased citizen engagement. Aliyu emphasized that the official launch of CPP-LG will be a major step in the agency’s broader anti-corruption efforts.
He urged government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners to collaborate in fighting corruption. He stressed that a corruption free system would ensure better resource management and improve citizens’ lives.
Aliyu concluded by calling for sustained commitment and collective action, emphasizing that while the fight against corruption is challenging, its long-term benefits for Nigeria’s development and governance are immense.