By Peter Omopo
State commissioners of information across Nigeria have pledged stronger collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to curb corruption at all levels of governance.
The resolution was reached during a roundtable meeting in Abuja, which brought together commissioners from across the federation alongside the ICPC leadership.
Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, who participated in the session, said the fight against corruption must extend beyond the federal level to states and local governments, where governance is closest to the people.
He explained that the new partnership would focus on deliberate communication strategies to build public trust and mobilise citizens against corrupt practices.
“Together with the ICPC, we have resolved to embed anti-corruption messages in government information processes, sensitise citizens to demand accountability, and create grassroots-focused campaigns in local languages,” Oyelade said.
Other agreed measures include capacity building for state and local government officials, strengthening partnerships with civil society and the media, and translating ICPC publications into widely spoken local languages. A WhatsApp platform for constant engagement between the ICPC and states will also be launched.
ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, described the roundtable as a vital step in reducing corruption and sparing Nigeria avoidable international embarrassment.
“The commission will continue to work with state information managers to amplify this message of integrity and accountability,” he said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised the need for synergy between the ICPC and state commissioners. He assured that his ministry would work tirelessly with state counterparts to ensure the objectives of the engagement are fully realised.
The initiative marks a new push to decentralise Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, focusing on grassroots communication and citizen participation in governance.
