Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), says the commission has recovered N4 billion stolen fund from a public officer within 24 hours
Aliyu said this on Thursday in Abuja, on the sideline of a One-Day National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC), Members Hybrid Interactive Forum.
He said that the commission would deploy technological measures, especially Artificial Intelligence, AI, to unravel corrupt practices easily
”Today, I want to underscore the potential of technological solutions in promoting accountability and good governance.
”Technology can work wonders because it is not biased like humans. It can help us tackle challenges if we use it properly and effectively.
”This technology, as I’ve mentioned, has the capability to address numerous issues.
‘We know there are digital platforms that sometimes, unfortunately, contribute to corruption
”However, I can tell you that in the last 24 hours, we have been able to recover N4 billion public funds, which were diverted into private accounts,” he said.
According to him, It’s alarming to see how much money is being misappropriated, and some individuals have billions of naira in their possession for personal gain.
”It’s a shocking reality that people are hoarding public funds instead of using them for the benefit of the nation.
”As a commission, we are utilizing technology and management systems to restore confidence in the fight against corruption.
”We are committed to ensuring transparency in this endeavor,” he said.
He noted with concern that there were systemic flaws in Nigeria, especially when it comes to public spending.
”We need to invest in technology that can help minimize the challenges of corruption, particularly in public procurement.
”By implementing tech-driven processes, we can reduce practices like contract inflation.
”Using technologies like blockchain can help eliminate manipulation, ensuring the integrity of public procurement. Data analytics are also crucial.
”The data we rely on is often outdated or inaccurate, which causes inefficiency.
”By embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI), we can easily convert certain processes to be more transparent and effective,” he said.
He underscored the importance of implementing preventive strategies to combat corruption.
”This is why social integrity and capacity building are essential. Civic engagement and public education are key to ensuring people understand their rights and responsibilities.
”When citizens are aware, they can hold public officers accountable.
”We must empower our people. Four or five years ago, we could have seen this transformation if we had started then.
”There is the need to ensure that the systems we build today withstand the test of time and foster respect for human rights and dignity.
”We need to build a culture that discourages corruption and promotes ethical governance,” he said.
He also called on the National Assembly to ensure passage of Whistle blowing Act adding ”If we really want to fight corruption we need to protect the whistle blower”
Muhuyi Magaji, Chairman Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, said that fighting against corruption was a collective responsibility
He said that when citizens join hands against corruption the monster would be easily defeated
”When people own the fight against corruption that is when it will always be strengthened it is not for us at the government level to fight against corruption alone
”It needs the involvement of all, it’s a collective fight so the occasion itself is a very important,” he said.
He commended the forum, which he said jad added value to him
”Now I have been injected with the fresh idea here.We have to go back and deploy technology.
”The need for the use of AI in terms of fighting against corruption, in terms of data analysis and what have you, asset tracking so it’s a very important one,” he said.
Mr Demola Bakare, Acting Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, ICPC, in his charge urged the forum to fight corruption without sentiment.
He advised them to also have a deep knowledge of the Act that established the commission to enable them in discharging their responsibility effectively
Bakare said fighting corruption was like a marathon race that needs perseverance and endurance to win.
He pledged the support of the anti-graft agency to all the stakeholders in winning the war against corruption in the country