The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu has warned that illicit financial flows are depriving the country of resources needed for development.
The ICPC chairman spoke while opening a three-day workshop on illicit financial flows and money laundering, alongside an Anti-Corruption Leadership Series at the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) in Keffi, Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria.
The programme brings together public officers, civil servants and stakeholders from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). It aims to strengthen their ability to detect, prevent and report suspicious financial activities.
Aliyu said illicit financial flows undermine economic growth, weaken governance and worsen poverty by reducing resources available for public services.
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He said the benefits of illicit financial flows go mainly to a privileged few, while the wider population bears the cost through lost revenue and reduced public services.
According to him, the workshop will equip participants with practical knowledge and skills to combat illicit financial flows and money laundering.
He said the training would also help ensure that Nigeria’s wealth remains in the country and supports development.
The ICPC chairman said the fight against corruption cannot rely solely on enforcement. He stressed the need for regular training and capacity building for public and civil servants.
“Enforcement is only one leg of the fight against corruption. Sustainable anti-corruption requires prevention through knowledge, integrity and leadership,” Aliyu said.
“That is why we are investing in the training of public servants and other stakeholders, so they can understand the nature of corruption, illicit financial flows and money laundering, and apply global best practices in their service delivery,” he said.
Aliyu urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in their organisations.
He said stronger institutional practices would help ensure that the benefits of good governance reach citizens across Nigeria.
Aliyu also reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to repositioning ACAN as a world-class anti-corruption learning institution.
He said the academy would become a centre of excellence for anti-corruption training, research and development.
The institution, he said, would be equipped to produce professionals with the skills needed to address emerging corruption challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
The initiative places capacity building alongside enforcement in Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption strategy.
As part of his visit, Aliyu conducted an on-site assessment of ACAN’s facilities in Keffi.
The assessment focused on identifying areas requiring urgent upgrades and improvements to support the academy’s repositioning.
He assured Nigerians that the ICPC would provide the necessary support, infrastructure and partnerships to help ACAN meet international standards in anti-corruption training and education.
