By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is sounding a national alarm over a deepening funding crisis that threatens to derail Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu yesterday appealed to the Senate for urgent intervention, citing staff kidnappings, low morale, and operational strain as clear signs that the agency is struggling to perform its mandate.
Speaking during the commission’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Dr. Aliyu revealed that one of ICPC’s operatives had been kidnapped just days ago and remains in captivity, underscoring the dangers investigators face on the frontline of Nigeria’s anti-graft war.
“The risks our staff face are real, and the agency cannot function effectively without proper funding,” Dr. Aliyu told lawmakers. “Our staff morale is very low. They investigate highly sensitive and risky cases, yet they are poorly supported.”
According to the ICPC Chairman, the Commission continues nationwide operations despite severe financial constraints, including budget cuts and delayed fund releases.
He disclosed that investigators and lawyers sometimes spend personal money to pursue cases in court, particularly for legal fees.
“Sometimes, our lawyers use their own money to go to court because once a matter is in court, it must be pursued,” he said.
Despite these obstacles, ICPC has remained active. In the review period, the agency filed 72 new cases, currently manages over 400 ongoing criminal cases, received 1,177 petitions, assigned 700 for investigation, and completed 250 investigations.
Beyond prosecution, the commission has also implemented preventive and advisory measures across 342 government agencies to reduce corruption risks in public institutions.
Dr. Aliyu painted a stark picture of the agency’s infrastructure and staff offices, some of which he described as “not fit for purpose.”
He called on the Senate committee to visit ICPC facilities nationwide to witness first-hand the dire conditions staff work under.
“I am appealing to this committee to intervene so that ICPC can have improved funding, better infrastructure, and enhanced staff welfare,” he stressed. “Without these, our work will suffer, and it will also affect Nigeria’s image globally.”
The Chairman argued that strengthening ICPC through adequate funding is crucial not just for operational efficiency but also for improving Nigeria’s standing on global corruption perception indices.
Responding, the Senate Committee, led by Senator Udenden Emmanuel, pledged to review the commission’s budget carefully and promised to take steps to ensure that ICPC receives enhanced funding to carry out its mandate effectively.
The message was clear: without urgent financial and logistical support, Nigeria’s anti-corruption frontline is under siege, and the fight against graft risks faltering at a critical moment.
