In a significant report, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed that 70% of Nigerians approached for bribes in 2023 refused to comply.
This claim was made by the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, during a roundtable with state attorneys-general from the northwest region in Kano, held on Monday, December 3, 2024.
The roundtable event focused on strengthening the ICPC’s capacity to prevent corruption, particularly in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.
Aliyu shared key findings from the 2023 Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends Report, a joint publication by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
According to the report, bribery is still widespread in Nigeria, particularly in sectors involving public service delivery. However, the positive takeaway from the findings is that a significant portion of Nigerians are standing firm against bribery demands.
Positive Signs of Resistance to Corruption
Despite the pervasive culture of bribery, the ICPC report noted a remarkable shift in public attitudes. The report revealed that 70% of Nigerians approached for bribes in 2023 refused to comply.
In the northwest region, the refusal rate was even higher at 76%, the highest among all of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. This figure indicates a growing resistance to corrupt practices in the region.
Musa Aliyu expressed optimism about these findings, saying, “This is a clear indication that Nigerians are increasingly rejecting bribery, which is a positive development in the fight against corruption.”
Aliyu further emphasized that despite the prevalence of bribery, the fact that a significant majority of citizens are resisting these demands shows that efforts to promote anti-corruption awareness are beginning to yield results.
Bribery Hotspots in Nigeria
While the statistics show encouraging progress, the chairman also acknowledged the persistent challenges in tackling bribery, particularly in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services.
He pointed out that bribery remains most common in these areas, where citizens often encounter corrupt officials demanding payments for services that should be provided free of charge.
In his remarks, Aliyu stated, “Bribery is most common in public utilities, law enforcement, and administrative services, sectors that directly impact citizens’ lives. It is imperative that we continue to address these challenges.”
The ICPC’s focus on these areas reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the public service sector and enforce accountability at all levels of government.
The Role of State and Federal Governments
Aliyu also addressed the collective responsibility of both state and federal governments in tackling corruption. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the two levels of government in building transparent and accountable systems.
According to Aliyu, “Fighting corruption is a shared responsibility. Both the state and federal governments must work together to ensure that our systems are accountable and free from corruption.”
He urged state governments to continue their support for anti-corruption initiatives and collaborate with the ICPC in strengthening the mechanisms that ensure public officials act with integrity.
Partnerships Key in Combating Corruption
In addition to governmental collaboration, the ICPC Chairman emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in the fight against corruption. He highlighted pillar five of Nigeria’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS II), which focuses on fostering partnerships as a key strategy in curbing corruption.
Aliyu reiterated the importance of citizen engagement in these efforts, urging citizens, particularly in the northwest, to remain resolute in their resistance to bribery and corrupt practices.
“We must all work together in the fight against corruption,” Aliyu urged. “Citizens must continue to reject bribery, and the government must ensure that those who engage in corrupt activities are held accountable.”
ICPC’s Continued Commitment
The ICPC has committed to intensifying its efforts to combat corruption through stronger enforcement mechanisms, public awareness campaigns, and continuous collaboration with other anti-corruption bodies.
The commission aims to further strengthen its partnership with citizens, law enforcement agencies, and public officials to create an environment where corruption is no longer tolerated.
Citizens’ Role in Fighting Corruption
As the fight against corruption continues to evolve, the involvement of citizens remains crucial. Nigerians are urged to report instances of bribery and corruption to the relevant authorities and stand firm in rejecting any demands for bribes.
Aliyu concluded, “Together, we can build a Nigeria that is free from corruption, where transparency and accountability are the norms, not the exception.”
