As Nigeria moves toward implementing financial autonomy for local governments, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has raised concerns over widespread embezzlement in the local government system.
To tackle corruption at the grassroots level, the ICPC has announced plans to launch a new initiative titled the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments in Nigeria (CPP-LG).
The programme aims to address systemic corruption, financial mismanagement, and lack of transparency in local government administration.
In a statement on Thursday, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare quoted the commission’s chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), who spoke at a summit in Gombe State. Aliyu highlighted issues such as contract inflation, nepotism, and resource misallocation, stressing that corruption has weakened local government functions and eroded public trust.
To curb these challenges, Aliyu outlined key measures to be incorporated into the CPP-LG, including, Strengthening financial autonomy for local governments, Professionalizing local government services, Encouraging citizen participation in governance, Enhancing institutional mechanisms, Strictly enforcing anti-corruption laws.
He further revealed that the ICPC has begun monitoring and evaluating local government performance through audits, public reporting, and citizen engagement initiatives.
Aliyu emphasized that launching the CPP-LG would be a major step in the commission’s broader anti-corruption strategy for local governance. He called for collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, and international partners to ensure a corruption-free system.
“The fight against corruption demands collective action and unwavering dedication. Though the journey may be challenging, the rewards of a transparent and accountable local government system will benefit all Nigerians,” he said.
