By Tosin Okedara
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has urged African nations to deepen cooperation and strengthen digital and institutional frameworks to curb the rising threat of illicit financial flows (IFFs) across the continent.
Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday at the 13th Anniversary Lecture of Realnews Magazine, Dr. Aliyu warned that Africa continues to lose billions of dollars annually to corruption, cybercrime, tax evasion, and weak enforcement mechanisms—losses he said are draining resources critical for development. He described IFFs as “a silent but devastating threat” that must be addressed for the continent to achieve sustainable progress.
Cybercrime Fueling New Forms of Capital Flight
Dr. Aliyu highlighted the growing role of technology in enabling sophisticated financial crimes, noting that digital platforms are increasingly exploited to move stolen funds across borders at alarming speed.
“Cyber-enabled corruption is expanding rapidly. Criminals now exploit digital platforms to move stolen funds across continents within minutes,” he said, calling for greater investment in advanced digital surveillance and improved oversight to safeguard public finances.
ICPC Unveils Five-Pillar Anti-Corruption Strategy
The ICPC Chairman outlined a five-pronged strategy the Commission is pursuing to curb corruption and illicit financial flows. The approach focuses on:
- Strengthening preventive mechanisms in public institutions
- Expanding digital surveillance across vulnerable government processes
- Enhancing inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the NFIU and EFCC
- Boosting international cooperation on asset tracing, freezing, and recovery
- Promoting public engagement and protecting whistleblowers
He stressed that global cooperation is essential, saying, “No country can fight illicit financial flows alone. Criminals collaborate globally; states must do the same.”
Media’s Crucial Role
Dr. Aliyu praised Realnews Magazine for its dedication to investigative reporting, emphasizing that a vigilant press is vital to holding power to account.
“Media organizations like Realnews are essential in exposing corruption networks. A strong press is indispensable to a corruption-free Africa,” he remarked.
Ceremony Blends Reflection and Celebration
In her welcome address, Realnews Publisher, Mrs. Maureen Chigbo, thanked guests and virtual participants, acknowledging the presence of the chairperson of the event, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips, former Chief Judge of Lagos State. Stakeholders from cybersecurity, fintech, banking, and intelligence sectors also attended.
The event featured a one-minute silence in honour of veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Mr. Dan Agbese, whom Chigbo described as a mentor and strong supporter of Realnews. The gathering also celebrated the birthday of discussant Lasbery Oludimu, who shares the November 19 anniversary with Realnews.
13 Years of Impactful Journalism
Realnews expressed gratitude to its partners and sponsors—including NNPC Ltd, NLNG, NCC, CBN, Shell, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, and NEMA—for supporting the anniversary lecture. Attendees commended the magazine for 13 years of high-quality, impactful investigative journalism and hailed its annual lecture series as one of Nigeria’s most credible platforms for public discourse on governance, security, economic policy, and accountability.
