The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Whistleblower Act Bill. He emphasized that the bill’s enactment would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts by protecting and encouraging individuals willing to expose corrupt practices.

Dr. Aliyu made this appeal during the ICPC Roundtable Engagement with State Attorneys-General in the North West, held in Kano on Monday. The event focused on enhancing ICPC’s capacity for corruption prevention and fostering stronger collaboration at the state level.

“Let me use this occasion to call on the National Assembly to pass the Whistleblower Bill into law so that those wishing to expose corrupt practices will have the confidence to do so,” Dr. Aliyu stated. He also urged Nigerians to reject and report bribery demands, stressing that collective efforts are essential to address the nation’s corruption challenges.

ALSO READ: ICPC Tracks N13.9bn Federal Projects in Niger State

The ICPC Chairman highlighted the need for closer partnerships with State Attorneys-General, particularly in strengthening systems of accountability and transparency. “No single individual or government can fight corruption alone; we need to come together to tackle this issue,” he said, reaffirming ICPC’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders within legal frameworks.

Dr. Aliyu noted that the fight against corruption is vital for national prosperity. “No country can thrive where corruption thrives,” he remarked, adding that public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services are among the sectors most affected by bribery. Despite these challenges, he praised the growing resistance to bribery, revealing that in 2023, 70% of Nigerians refused bribery demands at least once, with the North West leading the way at 76%.

Justice Muhammad Lawal Shu’aibu, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Sokoto Division, also addressed the gathering, urging anti-corruption agencies to intensify their efforts. He commended ICPC’s initiatives and reiterated the importance of tackling corruption in all its forms to create a more equitable society.

Dr. Aliyu concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity in combating corruption, stating that the support of local authorities and citizens is crucial for the effectiveness of anti-graft measures.