Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched a two-day workshop to train Akwa Ibom State Local Government officials on preventing corruption and effectively managing resources in local administration.
The announcement was made in Abuja by ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu during the workshop, organized by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in partnership with the Foundation for Transparency and Accountability (FTA) and supported by the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, Director of Systems Study and Review at the Commission, Dr. Aliyu noted that the workshop aims to help local government officials identify corruption risks and develop prevention strategies.
“This gathering provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies for handling institutional practices that may lead to complicit behavior in corruption,” he stated.
In response to the financial autonomy of Nigeria’s local governments, the Commission has established the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Government (ACPP-LG) to promote transparency and accountability in decision-making.
Dr. Aliyu highlighted that ACPP-LG includes strong citizen engagement components to improve public communication about local government activities, fostering trust and encouraging public participation in governance.
He cautioned participants that the Commission is committed to prosecuting local government officials involved in corrupt practices.
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Akwa Ibom, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, expressed gratitude for the workshop and assured that officials are eager to apply what they learn.
“We do not take this training lightly. Corruption significantly impacts our country, and we are here to learn how to combat it at the grassroots level,” Dr. Udo emphasized.
Participants included ALGON leadership, local government chairmen, legislative council leaders, heads of service, finance directors, and other officials from all 31 local government councils in Akwa Ibom State.
Olusola Akintonde