The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has called on the Nigerian Senate to significantly increase the commission’s budget, warned that inadequate funding is crippling anti-corruption efforts and endangering staff.
Dr. Aliyu made the appeal on Tuesday during ICPC’s 2026 budget defence before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, revealing that a commission staffer was recently kidnapped and remained in captivity, highlighting the risks faced by operatives.
He told lawmakers that the commission continues nationwide operations despite severe financial constraints, including repeated budget cuts and poor fund releases. “Without adequate funding, there is no way this agency can function effectively,” Dr. Aliyu said. “Our staff morale is very low. They investigate highly sensitive and risky cases, yet they are poorly supported.”
The ICPC chairman disclosed that although the commission efficiently utilised released funds, the total amount made available was grossly insufficient to meet operational needs. Budgetary rejections and limited releases have forced investigators and prosecutors to sometimes cover investigation and court costs personally. “Sometimes, our lawyers use their own money to go to court because once a matter is in court, it must be pursued,” he said.
Despite these challenges, ICPC recorded notable achievements, filing 72 cases, managing over 400 ongoing criminal cases, receiving 1,177 petitions, assigning 700 for investigation, and completing 250 investigations during the review period. The commission also carried out preventive and advisory interventions across 342 government agencies to curb corruption risks.
Dr. Aliyu urged the Senate committee to visit ICPC facilities nationwide to witness the poor state of infrastructure and staff offices, some of which he described as “not fit for purpose.” He appealed for improved funding, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced staff welfare, warning that failure to address these issues would negatively affect the commission’s work and Nigeria’s global image.
Senator Udenden Emmanuel, who lead the committee, expressed sympathy for ICPC’s plight and pledged to advocate for a higher budget allocation to enable the commission to perform its mandate effectively.
