By Peter Omopo
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu (SAN), has disclosed that the Commission recently intercepted an attempt to divert N1.6 billion in public funds through the use of advanced technological tools.
Aliyu made the revelation during a courtesy visit by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, according to a statement issued on Sunday by ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare.
While he did not name the specific ministry or agency involved in the foiled theft, the ICPC boss noted that the interception underscored the critical role technology now plays in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
“We cannot fight corruption without being smart,” Aliyu stated. “We know the increasing use of technology in committing corrupt acts, but we are also leveraging the same technology to fight back. Because of the deployment of technological tools, we were able to block N1.6 billion that could have been stolen.”
He stressed that while technology is often used to perpetrate fraud, it also offers effective tools for prevention and enforcement. Aliyu identified NASENI as a potential strategic partner in developing bespoke tech solutions to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.
To that end, he proposed the establishment of a Joint Innovation Task Team between ICPC and NASENI to identify priority areas for collaboration and ensure sustainable partnerships in the anti-corruption effort.
