The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has recovered over N53 billion and $966,900 in its first year under the chairmanship of Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN.
Chairman Aliyu made this announcement during a presentation detailing his stewardship since being appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the presentation, the commission processed 851 petitions, assigning 342 for investigation. Of these, 95 were fully investigated, 72 cases were filed in court, and 16 convictions were secured.
The cash recoveries comprised N29.7 billion held in ICPC recovery accounts, N10.986 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT) recovered and remitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and N10 billion from the COVID-19 vaccine fund intended for vaccine production, which was remitted to the treasury. The commission also forfeited assets valued at N2.5 billion and recovered $966,900.83 in foreign currency.
The first anniversary event, held Tuesday at the commission’s auditorium, aimed to discuss the importance of asset recovery in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
In his speech, Dr. Aliyu expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Commission as its fifth chairman. He emphasized that under his leadership, the ICPC has continued to adapt to evolving trends in executing its mandates, including equipping its workforce with digital strategies to combat corruption.
“The current administration’s anti-corruption agenda, along with my policy focus encapsulated in the acronym ‘CARE’ for impact, has further motivated the Commission to enhance its tools, approaches, and engagements. I am proud to reflect on the modest progress we have made and the challenges we have overcome thus far,” he stated.
Addressing the achievements recorded under his leadership, Dr. Aliyu reiterated the cash recoveries: ₦29.7 billion (in ICPC recovery accounts), ₦10.986 billion (VAT recovered and remitted to FIRS), N10 billion (COVID-19 vaccine fund remitted to the treasury), and asset forfeitures valued at N2.5 billion, alongside the recovery of $966,900.83 in foreign currency.
He added that the Commission successfully tracked approximately 1,500 projects valued at N610 billion nationwide under the seventh phase of its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI), which concluded last week. (PRNigeria)