The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing anti-corruption efforts at the subnational level during a high-level regional meeting with Attorneys-General from the North-Central zone held in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The strategic engagement, hosted at Noktel Resort, was themed: “Strengthening Subnational Synergies for Corruption Prevention: Advancing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy in Nigeria’s North-Central Region.”
Among the notable participants was the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State, Barr. Isaac Danladi (Dan Moren Karu), who showcased the proactive anti-corruption policies and initiatives of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s administration.
In his presentation, Danladi lauded Governor Sule’s private-sector-driven leadership, noting that the Governor has introduced sweeping reforms to promote accountability and block leakages within the public service.
Key among the initiatives highlighted were:
Establishment of Audit Committees in all local government councils to detect and eliminate ghost workers;
Introduction of a Central Billing System to streamline state payments and minimize revenue leakages;
Creation of a Bureau for Public Procurement to regulate contracting processes;
Dissolution of the Teachers’ Service Commission (TSC) over allegations of irregular employment, followed by the inauguration of a committee to investigate overstaffing concerns.
“These efforts are part of a broader commitment to institutionalize transparency, ensure fiscal discipline, and build public confidence in governance,” Danladi stated.
He reaffirmed Nasarawa State’s resolve to align fully with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS), emphasizing that sustainable development is only possible within a transparent and accountable governance framework.
The roundtable featured technical and open sessions where Attorneys-General shared success stories, identified challenges, and offered actionable solutions to strengthen anti-corruption architecture at the state level.
At the end of the deliberations, participants adopted key resolutions, including:
Establishing formal partnerships to enhance anti-corruption efforts across the region;
Advocating the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining roles, responsibilities, and communication channels;
Deploying joint strategies for investigation, prosecution, and public awareness campaigns;
Creating collaborative mechanisms to institutionalize integrity, strengthen public sector ethics, and restore public trust;
Emphasizing greater cooperation and trust between state Attorneys-General and anti-corruption agencies;
Urging the ICPC to work with the Ministry of Education, UBEC, and other stakeholders to integrate anti-corruption content into school curricula;
Advising improved whistleblower protection to encourage citizen participation;
Recommending detailed information in ICPC’s investigation invitations for better compliance;
Encouraging state governments to establish Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
In his closing remarks, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, commended the level of engagement and the innovative solutions discussed. He pledged the Commission’s continued support for subnational actors in driving Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign forward.
