In a pointed and passionate engagement session, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, declared local government administration in Nigeria as the “bedrock of democratic governance”—but also lamented its descent into a “breeding ground for corruption.”
Speaking at a strategic session with the Nigerian Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC), Dr. Adamu highlighted the crucial yet beleaguered role of local governments, describing them as the “closest tier of government to the people” where citizens’ daily realities are shaped.
“The diversion of funds meant for local projects, ghost worker syndicates, inflated contracts, and the misappropriation of internally generated revenues are but a few examples of the corrupt practices that undermine the very essence of local governance,” he said.
Dr. Adamu emphasized the destructive consequences of grassroots corruption:
“When corruption thrives at the local level, it directly impedes development, erodes public trust, and ultimately stunts the progress of our nation. It is a betrayal of the trust reposed in public officials by the very people they are meant to serve.”
Reaffirming the ICPC’s broader anti-corruption strategy, Dr. Adamu stressed the importance of prevention, education, and citizen empowerment:
“Our mandate…extends beyond prosecution. It encompasses proactive prevention, public education, and fostering a culture of integrity across all tiers of government.”
Calling the engagement with NACC a “convergence of minds dedicated to forging practical solutions,” he urged the Coalition and Nigerians at large to take a more active role in demanding accountability:
“We must explore innovative ways to empower citizens to demand accountability… Citizen participation in budget monitoring, project oversight, and the reporting of corrupt practices is paramount.”
Yet, he struck a balanced tone, recognizing that systemic failures also constrain local officials:
“While we will not condone corruption, we must also work towards building a system that is resilient and equips officials with the tools and training to uphold ethical conduct.”
Dr. Umar Yakubu, Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CEFTPI), echoed these concerns in a compelling presentation on the Local Government Accountability Initiative, asserting that:
“Local governments in Nigeria have been effectively captured by state governors…rendering them ineffective in delivering basic services.”
He pointed to the failure of oversight mechanisms and over-centralized control as enablers of corruption, noting:
“The ICPC is overstretched. Without increased capacity or systemic changes, corruption at the grassroots will persist.”
Yakubu’s core prescription was radical transparency:
“We must make local government operations visible to the public. When people know how much is allocated, how it’s spent, and who is responsible, it becomes harder to hide corruption.”
He called for public disclosure of all budgetary, revenue, procurement, and human resource information—emphasizing that openness is the most potent antidote to fraud: