ICPC warns LG Officials over corruption as Fiscal Autonomy takes effect

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has issued a stern warning to local government officials, promising to prosecute any found guilty of corruption as the new local government fiscal autonomy begins nationwide.

This warning was given by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu, during the launch of the Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments (ACPP-LG) in Abuja on Thursday. The program aims to tackle corruption across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs).

Under the initiative, ICPC will closely monitor local government budgets and spending, focusing on five key areas to ensure transparency and accountability: Fiscal Transparency, Open Procurement, Human Resources Management, Corruption Control, and Citizen Engagement in Budget Implementation.

Dr. Adamu explained that the initiative aims to prevent the misuse of public funds and ensure that resources allocated for local development are used properly, in line with the recent Supreme Court ruling that restored financial autonomy to the LGAs.

The ICPC chairman further emphasized that the commission will work with critical government agencies, civil society organizations, and law enforcement bodies to enforce these measures. ICPC’s functions will include investigations, prosecutions, and regulatory actions to ensure compliance with anti-corruption laws.

“By focusing on these areas, we aim to strengthen governance structures, improve service delivery, and restore public trust in local governments,” Dr. Adamu said.

He also highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s ruling of July 11, 2024, which grants financial independence to local governments. This ruling ensures direct disbursement of funds to local councils, preventing undue interference by state governments and creating an opportunity for governance transformation.

Dr. Adamu warned that any local government official caught diverting public funds will face prosecution and the full consequences of the law.

The ICPC chairman stressed the need for collaboration with state governments, civil society groups, and media partners to ensure accountability. He also called on state governments to support local councils in implementing the reforms without administrative challenges.

“State governments must support local councils to ensure smooth implementation of this reform without administrative bottlenecks. Civil society organizations and the media also have a crucial role to play in raising awareness and holding local governments accountable,” Dr. Adamu said.

He added that technology and social media would be used to engage citizens in monitoring local government projects and reporting corruption through ICPC’s official platforms.

Senator Emmanuel Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, assured the National Assembly’s support for ICPC’s efforts to promote transparency and good governance at the local level.

Similarly, Prince Kayode Moshood Akiolu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, condemned the long-standing practice of state governments hijacking LG funds, depriving local councils of the resources needed for effective service delivery.

Akiolu assured that measures were being put in place to correct this issue and restore financial independence to LGAs, ensuring they can serve their communities properly.