The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is set to officially launch the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments (CPP-LG), a bold initiative aimed at combating systemic corruption and promoting transparency at Nigeria’s grassroots level.
Strengthening Local Governance Amidst New Legal Autonomy
This development comes on the heels of recent legal affirmations of local government autonomy, which are expected to enhance financial independence and operational efficiency across the country.
Speaking at a summit organized by the Gombe State government on “Local Government Autonomy, Fiscal Responsibility, and Sustainable Development,” ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, announced the upcoming launch of CPP-LG. He emphasized that the program is designed to foster accountability and fiscal responsibility within local government administrations.
Combating Systemic Corruption at the Grassroots
In his presentation titled “Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Local Governance: Strategies for Combating Corruption in Nigeria,” Dr. Aliyu highlighted the critical role of local governments in providing essential services to grassroots communities. However, he lamented the systemic corruption plaguing the sector, citing rampant embezzlement, nepotism, contract inflation, and resource misallocation.
“Systemic corruption undermines the effectiveness of local government functions, leading to inefficiencies, misallocation of resources, and eroded public trust. The lack of transparency and accountability further exacerbates these challenges, creating an enabling environment for corrupt practices,” Aliyu noted.
Strategic Framework for Transparency and Accountability
Dr. Aliyu outlined comprehensive strategies to tackle corruption and improve governance at the local level. These include:
Strengthening legal and institutional frameworks.
Enhancing financial autonomy for local governments.
Professionalizing local government services.
Encouraging citizen participation in governance.
Reinforcing institutional mechanisms.
Enforcing existing anti-corruption laws.
He revealed that the ICPC has already started implementing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, including regular audits, public reporting, and initiatives to boost citizen engagement in local governance.
The CPP-LG: A Step Towards Integrity in Local Governance
The ICPC Chairman expressed optimism about the CPP-LG, viewing it as a cornerstone in the Commission’s broader anti-corruption efforts within the local government sector.
“Enhancing transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s local governance is crucial for combating corruption and fostering a more equitable society. By fortifying legal frameworks, leveraging technology, encouraging civic engagement, building institutional capacity, and fostering international cooperation, Nigeria can create an environment where integrity thrives,” Aliyu concluded.
The formal launch of the CPP-LG marks a significant step forward in the fight against corruption at the grassroots level, setting the stage for improved governance and sustainable development in Nigeria’s local governments.
