By ISAAC AREGBESOLA

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged state governments to step up anti-corruption fight and foster Nigeria’s integrity and accountability standard.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, made the call at a one-day round-table organised by the anti-corruption agency in Abuja on Wednesday.

The round-table themed ”Partnership for Strengthening Transparency at the State and Local Government Levels through Strategic Communication” brought together commissioners of information, lawmakers, media professionals, and representatives from civil society.

Aliyu emphasised that the crucial fight against corruption lied at the state and local government levels, where resources were most vulnerable to leakage and directly impacting citizens.

He therefore, urged commissioners of information across the nation to utilise strategic communication as a tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical change at the grassroots level.

According to him, this gathering is not just about sharing ideas, but advancing a cause vital to our democracy and welfare of our people.

”Corruption remains a defining challenge for Nigeria. While the Federal Government has intensified its efforts, the real battleground lies at the state and local government levels; the tiers closest to the people, and where leakages are most devastating.

”When resources are not utilised properly, the farmer will be without roads, the child without books, and the sick without healthcare,” he said.

The ICPC chairman highlighted ongoing initiatives by the commission to include Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking, System Studies and Reviews, and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy.

According to him these are examples of proactive measures aimed at preventing corruption and enhancing service delivery.

“ICPC’s strategic interventions have pioneered preventive initiatives such as the National Ethics and Integrity Policy, the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative, and System Studies and Reviews to improve processes and service delivery.

“These interventions directly support the National Anti-Corruption Strategy pillars on public engagement and ethical orientation by encouraging citizens to participate by reinforcing values that prevent corruption,” he added.

He called for collaboration among ICPC, information commissioners and media leaders in strengthening accountability messages, embedding anti-corruption values into state governance systems.

Also speaking, the Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said that the Federal Government remained committed to the fight against corruption in the country.

Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Special Duty and Zonal Coordination, Mr David Akoji, expressed the determination of NOA to partner with the ICPC in the fight against corruption.

“We remain committed in the fight against corruption by working together with the ICPC to build a common front against the menace.

“Corruption at the state level in Nigeria, if left unchecked will have far reaching consequences affecting various aspects of society and governance,” he said.

He added that the key impacts include economic instability, inefficient public services, and loss of trust, social inequality, and government challenges among others.

The director-general said that to effectively combat corruption, there was the need to strengthen various anti-corruption institutions, promote accountability and foster a culture of integrity.

According to him, by addressing corruption at the state level, Nigeria can unlock development potential, improve public services and build trust in government institutions. (NAN)

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