In a startling revelation that underscores the depth of corruption within Nigeria’s public sector, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), has disclosed that government officials fraudulently paid for the same hospital project 100% – not once, but five times – without a single structure ever being built.

Dr. Aliyu made this disclosure during a media engagement with media executives in Abuja on Tuesday.

He described the incident as a glaring example of how deeply entrenched corruption has become in Nigeria’s governance system, stressing the urgent need for collective action to combat the menace.

“There was a case of a hospital which was paid for 100 percent, five times. Yet, there was nothing to show for it,” Dr. Aliyu stated.

“That tells you how bad the problem of corruption has become. We cannot continue like this.”

The ICPC chairman emphasized that this case is just one of many, reflecting the systemic rot across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

He cited another example where a government official fraudulently listed his wife, son, and in-law on the payroll, with the son being a mere student, far from working age.

Dr. Aliyu further revealed that the ICPC recently intercepted and blocked an attempt to divert N20 billion by officials of another government agency.

According to him, this success highlights the commission’s proactive strategies in preventing fraud before it occurs.

Addressing the issue of illicit financial flows, Dr. Aliyu disclosed that vast amounts of stolen Nigerian assets – both cash and properties – are hidden abroad.

He criticised countries in the Global North for acting as safe havens for these illicit assets, accusing them of aiding corrupt African officials in looting the continent’s wealth.

“When we trace these assets and seek their return, we face numerous obstacles. Even when agreements are reached, foreign consultants demand exorbitant commissions just to facilitate the repatriation,” he lamented.

To tackle this challenge, Dr. Aliyu said the ICPC is collaborating with anti-corruption agencies across Africa through the African Anti-Graft Forum to track, recover, and repatriate stolen assets.

Calling for stronger public support, Dr. Aliyu urged the Nigerian media and citizens to take ownership of the fight against corruption.

“Fighting corruption is not easy because when you fight corruption, it fights back. But as a nation, we have no choice. If we don’t tackle corruption, our children will have no future,” he warned.

He revealed that the ICPC has intensified budget analysis and project tracking to detect and block suspicious allocations before funds are misused.

Responding to questions about the management of recovered assets, Dr. Aliyu assured that the ICPC strictly adheres to the Proceeds of Crime Act.

He disclosed that the commission has established a committee comprising civil society organizations, media representatives, and government procurement experts to ensure transparent public auctions of recovered properties.

Dr. Aliyu advocated for legal reforms to make corruption less attractive, suggesting harsher penalties for offenders.

“In some countries, even in Africa, convicted corrupt individuals are required to pay back the stolen amount with interest and are barred from holding public office for up to 10 years,” he said.

He also challenged Nigerians to stop glorifying corrupt individuals, emphasizing that such behavior perpetuates the very problem that hinders the country’s development.

“Our fight is not just about arresting and prosecuting corrupt individuals. It’s about changing the culture that tolerates and even celebrates corruption,” Dr. Aliyu concluded. (Nigerian Tribune)