The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) report highlighting ministries and government agencies involved in job racketeering, without naming them, raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the fight against corruption.
Development Diaries reports that the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, made this known at a high-level seminar to commemorate the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day.
Identifying such ministries and agencies is a significant development in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, but by withholding this information, the ICPC leaves room for speculation.
It also diminishes public confidence in its commitment to tackling the deeply ingrained problem of corruption in public institutions.
The 2019 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends, revealed that a substantial number of Nigerians resorted to bribery to obtain public sector employment.
For instance, it noted that about 32 percent of those who obtained public service positions reported paying bribes.
This is why the ICPC should disclose the names of these ministries and agencies to ensure accountability and deter similar practices in the future. Naming these entities is a critical first step toward restoring integrity in the recruitment processes of government agencies.
It will also send a strong message to others that corruption will not be tolerated and allow citizens to monitor the actions taken against the culprits, creating an environment of participatory governance.
Transparency in addressing these issues can also enhance trust in the ICPC’s operations and its broader mission to rid Nigeria of corruption.
Development Diaries calls on the ICPC Chairman, Aliyu, to ensure full transparency by publicly disclosing the names of ministries and agencies implicated in job racketeering to uphold the ICPC’s commitment to transparency and reinforce public trust in its anti-corruption efforts.
We also call on the ICPC boss to go beyond disclosure and pursue legal action against individuals and entities involved in job racketeering, ensuring accountability and deterrence.
The anti-corruption agency should also undertake rigorous audits of recruitment processes across government ministries and agencies to identify and eliminate corrupt practices.
Swift legal action against both individuals and entities found guilty is essential to establish a deterrent and reinforce the rule of law. The commission’s assurance of forthcoming actions must be matched with visible and resolute measures.
Photo source: ICPC Nigeria
