ICPC, EFCC ask scholars, students to lead Nigeria’s anti-corruption crusade

The chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Adamu-Aliyu, has urged social science scholars and students to anchor anti-corruption crusades at all levels.

Mr Adamu-Aliyu identified social phenomena, weak institutions and personal choices as major drivers of corruption in Nigeria.

The chairman made the statement on Tuesday in his keynote address at the 11th National Conference of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

He stressed the need for social science scholars to lead the way by partnering with anti-corruption agencies, not just as teachers or researchers, but as combatants in addressing the menace of corruption in Nigeria.

According to him, the major driver of corruption in Nigeria’s context is greed.

He cited cases involving the former Minister of Power during the Buhari administration and a housing project during the Jonathan administration.

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, said that the fight against corruption was the responsibility of every Nigerian.

Mr Olukoyede called for increased efforts and synergy among agencies and organisations in the fight against corruption.

“The fight against corruption is not the responsibility of government agencies alone. Every act of integrity matters and every honest decision counts in building the Nigeria we all desire,” he said.

He encouraged all participants to engage actively, share ideas, and propose solutions that can make a measurable difference.

Mr Olukoyede added that the EFCC, as a body responsible for combating economic crimes, remains steadfast in its mandate to investigate, prevent and prosecute offenders. He, however, admitted that enforcement alone cannot solve corruption problems in Nigeria.

“Experience has shown that the law can punish offenders, but it cannot, by itself, change behaviour,” he said.

(NAN)