The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, has said that punishment on its own cannot end corruption in Nigeria.
Aliyu stated this on Monday, August 18, in Maiduguri while delivering a welcome address at a one-day roundtable engagement with Attorneys-General from North-East states.
He stressed that the country must adopt a mix of strategies to effectively combat corruption.
According to him, corruption remains one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges, undermining the economy, fuelling insecurity, and eroding public trust in government institutions.
He said, “We know from global experience, and from our laws, that punishment alone is not enough.
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“We must combine approaches: recover stolen assets, restore justice to victims, strengthen our systems, and above all, work together across institutions and across regions.
“Participants, corruption remains one of the most stubborn challenges of our time. It weakens economies, fuels insecurity, and undermines public trust.
“The world today speaks with one voice against corruption, and Nigeria must not be left behind.”
The ICPC chairman explained that the programme’s theme, “Institutional Integrity and Regional Cooperation: The Role of Attorneys-General in Advancing a Corruption-Free North-East”, was a call to action for the region to strengthen systems of integrity.
The event drew key figures including the Senator representing Borno South, Shehu Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Emmanuel Udende, as well as North-East state Attorneys-General and ICPC resident commissioners.