The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called on the National Assembly to boost the Commission’s 2026 budget, warning that inadequate funding is undermining its ability to effectively combat corruption across Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu made the appeal on Tuesday while defending the ICPC’s budget proposal before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes. He highlighted the operational challenges and staff welfare concerns that have arisen due to chronic underfunding and delayed disbursement of approved allocations in 2025.
“Inadequate funding remains our most significant impediment, directly affecting our manpower, logistics, staff welfare, and overall operational effectiveness,” he told the committee.
He provided a breakdown of the Commission’s 2025 financial situation, revealing that only N2.1 billion of the N7.82 billion overhead cost approved was released, while capital expenditure suffered even more, with just N400.49 million (5% of N7.3 billion) disbursed—only on 28 November 2025. Dr. Aliyu said this late and minimal release made proper project execution and compliant procurement nearly impossible.
Despite these constraints, the ICPC recorded notable achievements in 2025. The Commission recovered N33.1 billion in cash and $1.8 million, filed 72 new cases and secured 36 convictions, handled around 400 ongoing cases, and received 1,107 petitions, of which 700 were assigned for investigation and 150 concluded. The agency also implemented Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecards in 344 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and inaugurated 131 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs).
Dr. Aliyu expressed concern over low morale among staff, who continue to conduct high-risk investigations with limited support. He warned that without increased funding, the Commission risks diminished effectiveness and potential damage to Nigeria’s standing in global corruption perception indices.
He also highlighted that the proposed 2026 allocation for the ICPC has been reduced, despite the clear need for additional resources to sustain operations. Dr. Aliyu assured lawmakers that the Commission would continue to exercise fiscal discipline and prudent resource management if the requested increase is granted.
Responding, Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee, praised the ICPC’s achievements under difficult financial circumstances. He assured Dr. Aliyu that the committee would work closely with the Senate Committee on Appropriations to advocate for an improved budget for the Commission.
