ICPC Chairman Reveals Alarming Bribery Statistics, Calls for Holistic Approach to Combat Corruption
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has disclosed staggering figures on the prevalence of bribery in Nigeria, revealing that an estimated 87 million bribery cases occurred last year, amounting to approximately N700 billion.
Dr. Aliyu shared these statistics during his keynote address at the ongoing International Law Conference, organized by the Faculty of Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He noted that bribery incidents were more frequent in rural areas compared to urban regions, underscoring corruption as a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s development. According to him, corruption erodes public trust, undermines the rule of law, and hampers economic growth.
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During his address on the topic, “Law and Contemporary Societal Issues: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities,” Dr. Aliyu stressed that corruption is not just a legal issue but a societal challenge that requires a comprehensive and sustainable approach. He cited a recent survey by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which identified corruption as the fourth most critical issue in the country in 2023, after the cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment.
Dr. Aliyu also highlighted progress in anti-corruption efforts, noting that the percentage of citizens reporting bribe payments to authorities increased from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023. He interpreted this rise as a sign of growing awareness and commitment among Nigerians to tackle corruption.
Furthermore, he addressed the persistent issue of abuse of office within public service sectors and raised concerns about sexual harassment in tertiary institutions. Citing a 2018 World Bank survey, he revealed that approximately 70% of female graduates from Nigerian institutions reported experiencing sexual harassment from either classmates or instructors.
Dr. Aliyu’s remarks underline the urgent need for a coordinated effort to combat corruption and address the broader societal issues plaguing Nigeria.
Source: Sahara Reporter
https://saharareporters.com/2024/08/09/nigeria-recorded-87-million-bribery-cases-2023-alone-n700billion-paid-bribes-anti
