…seeks establishment of a Joint Innovation Task Team
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said that it blocked the diversion of approximately N1.6 billion through the deployment of technology-driven tools.
Musa Adamu Aliyu, the commission’s chairman, disclosed this during a meeting with Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where he called on the agency to develop innovative technologies that can strengthen Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
Aliyu also called on NASENI to develop cutting-edge technologies that can help detect and prevent corrupt practices across government institutions, in a bid to intensify the fight against corruption through innovation.
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The ICPC chairman emphasised the growing importance of technology in the global anti-corruption fight, revealing that the Commission recently thwarted the diversion of N1.6 billion through the strategic deployment of tech-based interventions.
“We cannot fight corruption without being smart. We know the increasing use of technology in committing corrupt acts, but we are also leveraging the same technology to fight back. Because of the deployment of technological tools, we were able to block N1.6 billion that could have been stolen,” Aliyu stated.
He highlighted the need for strategic inter-agency partnerships, stressing that the innovative focus of NASENI aligns well with the enforcement mandate of the ICPC, a combination he said could yield far-reaching results.
As part of the proposed collaboration, Aliyu outlined key areas where NASENI’s technical expertise could be deployed to support ICPC’s mandate.
“These include the development of systems for tracking public funds and monitoring procurement processes, which he identified as hotspots for corruption”, he stated.
He pointed out that 70 to 80 percent of corrupt practices occur within procurement, making it a priority for targeted intervention.
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Another crucial area he identified was the creation of a secure digital whistleblower platform to facilitate the anonymous reporting of corrupt practices.
“We cannot fight corruption without access to information. That’s why building a strong, secure whistleblowing system is essential,” he said.
The ICPC boss also proposed the establishment of a Joint Innovation Task Team (JITT) that would work to identify priority areas for joint action between the two agencies.
He further suggested the eventual signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise and sustain the partnership.
In addition, Aliyu offered ICPC’s support in enhancing transparency within NASENI by strengthening its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), reinforcing internal integrity and compliance within the agency itself.
Responding, Halilu, NASENI’s CEO, expressed readiness to work closely with the ICPC and share the agency’s technical know-how in developing systems that can enhance transparency and block leakages.
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“There is an urgent need to digitalise internal processes to improve security and efficiency, and we would be happy to share our knowledge and experience in this area,” Halilu said, emphasising NASENI’s commitment to the partnership.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Demola Bakare, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and spokesperson for the ICPC, both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to deploying innovation and collaboration to bolster Nigeria’s anti-corruption war.
