Over 20bn recovered from Ghost Workers’ Pension schemes – ICPC
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, says the commission recovered over N20 billion gotten through fraudulent ghost workers’ pension schemes in 2024.
Aliyu explained that the ICPC uncovered the fraudulent insertion of workers in some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The ICPC Chairman revealed during the ‘Editors’ Breakfast Meeting with ICPC Chairman,’ for media executives in Abuja.
He emphasized that the fight against corruption couuld not be waged by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing the need for collective efforts to drive national progress.
According to Aliyu, the ICPC has adopted a strategic communication approach in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
He said such would ensure that while the Commission remains strict and diligent in its operations, it upholds the rule of law and human dignity.
Aliyu said, “Over the years, ICPC has followed a communication strategy guided by Section 36 and Section 27(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. These legal provisions safeguard suspects’ rights. While we remain firm and meticulous in our duties, we are equally committed to upholding the rule of law and human dignity,” he stated.
The ICPC boss also underscored the importance of responsible information dissemination, particularly in safeguarding informants and preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations.
“In matters of enforcement, we share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media. However, we ensure that the identities of informants are protected and that the integrity of our investigations is not compromised,” he added.
The ICPC Chairman noted that the Commission is not seeking public validation but rather remains focused on delivering measurable results based on its Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028).
Aliyu further disclosed that the ICPC would be collaborating with reputable civil society organizations to implement a ‘Corruption Prevention Program for Local Governments.’
He said, “The initiative aims to promote proactive disclosure of financial, procurement, and corruption-related information at the grassroots level.”
Aliyu urged journalists to work closely with the ICPC to enhance public awareness and amplify the commission’s programmes.
In his opening remarks, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, a lecturer in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Bayero University, Kano, and a vice president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), commended the ICPC for the initiative and urged the media need to support the Commission’s mission by reporting credible and timely information.
Similarly, Mrs. Hussaina Banshika, a Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), expressed gratitude for the engagement.
She urged the ICPC Chairman to institutionalize regular interactions with the media to foster greater synergy and collaboration in the fight against corruption.
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