The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has issued an urgent call to the National Assembly for a significant increase in the Commission’s budgetary allocation. Defending the 2026 budget proposal before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes on Tuesday, Dr. Aliyu warned that chronic underfunding is “critically undermining” the nation’s fight against graft.
Dr. Aliyu presented a sobering review of the 2025 fiscal year, revealing that late and incomplete disbursements had effectively crippled the agency’s logistics and infrastructure.
- Overhead Costs: Only 28% (₦2.1 billion) of the approved ₦7.82 billion was released.
- Capital Expenditure: A staggering 5% (₦400.49 million) of the approved ₦7.3 billion was disbursed, with funds only arriving in late November, making compliant procurement nearly impossible.
“Inadequate funding remains our most significant impediment,” Dr. Aliyu stated. “It directly affects our manpower, logistics, and staff welfare. Without a course correction, we risk damaging Nigeria’s global standing in corruption perception indices.”
Despite these financial hurdles, the ICPC reported a highly productive 2025, demonstrating the agency’s resilience and efficiency:
| Achievement Category | Impact in 2025 |
| Recoveries | ₦33.1 Billion (Cash) and $1.8 Million |
| Legal Action | 72 new cases filed; 36 convictions secured |
| Ongoing Litigation | ~400 active cases nationwide |
| Petitions Processed | 1,107 received; 700 assigned for investigation |
| Institutional Integrity | 344 MDAs evaluated via Integrity Scorecards |
The Chairman raised particular concern regarding the morale of ICPC operatives, who often conduct high-stakes investigations into organized crime and systemic corruption with minimal resources. He noted with “dismay” that the proposed 2026 budget has been further reduced, despite the Commission’s proven track record of returning stolen assets to the federal coffers.
In response to the presentation, the Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Emmanuel Udende, lauded the ICPC for its impressive recoveries under such restrictive conditions. Senator Udende pledged that the Committee would intervene with the Senate Committee on Appropriations to advocate for a financial package that reflects the Commission’s critical role in national stability.
Dr. Aliyu concluded by reaffirming the ICPC’s commitment to strict fiscal discipline and prudent management of any enhanced resources granted by the Assembly.
