The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, has identified a lack of integrity and weak ethical standards as major factors responsible for many of Nigeria’s governance and development challenges.
Aliyu made the observation on Wednesday while delivering his keynote address at the International Conference on Anti-Corruption, Transparency and Integrity in Governance held in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The conference was organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the training institution of the ICPC.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Integrity Systems for Sustainable Development and Public Trust in Nigeria,” the ICPC chairman stressed the need for stronger ethical compliance across both public and private institutions.
According to him, many of the country’s persistent challenges can be traced to a failure to uphold integrity and ethical values.
He noted that corruption cannot be tackled by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing that success in the fight against corruption requires the active participation of all segments of society.
Aliyu said public institutions, private organisations, civil society groups, professional associations, faith-based bodies, the media, academic institutions and ordinary citizens all have important roles to play in promoting accountability and transparency.
He further emphasised the need for greater collaboration and sustained commitment among stakeholders to rebuild public confidence in government institutions and strengthen governance structures across the country.
The ICPC boss explained that the conference was organised to encourage practical solutions to corruption and promote evidence-based reforms capable of improving governance outcomes.
Also speaking at the event, the Provost of ACAN, Professor Sheriff Ibrahim, described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress. He noted that the conference was expected to generate practical policy recommendations that would support anti-corruption efforts and improve governance.
Ibrahim added that poor transparency and weak integrity systems have contributed significantly to developmental challenges across the continent.
In his contribution, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, called for stronger action against corruption. He warned that speeches and declarations alone would not produce meaningful results without concrete measures and sustained implementation.
Nigeria has continued to face concerns over corruption, weak accountability systems and governance deficits. Over the years, governments and anti-corruption agencies have repeatedly stressed the need to strengthen integrity, transparency and ethical conduct in both public and private institutions.
The conference formed part of ongoing efforts to promote reforms, strengthen integrity systems and restore public trust in governance.