ICPC Leads Nigeria’s Call for Stronger Global Anti-Corruption Cooperation at IACA Assembly in Vienna
Nigeria has called for stronger international cooperation, capacity building and technical assistance for developing countries in the fight against corruption, warning that graft remains a major threat to good governance, sustainable development and the rule of law.
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, made the call while delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the 15th Session of the Assembly of Parties of the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) at the Vienna International Centre in Austria.
Aliyu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international anti-corruption cooperation, describing specialised education, research and partnerships among countries as essential to tackling corruption, particularly as financial crimes increasingly transcend national borders.
He said Nigeria, as one of the founding members of IACA, had benefited from the Academy’s programmes in strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption personnel and improving domestic institutional strategies.
According to the ICPC Chairman, Nigeria has continued to strengthen its legal, institutional and policy frameworks through measures covering corruption prevention, public enlightenment and enforcement, while expanding collaboration with civil society and leveraging digital technology to improve transparency and accountability in public service.
Aliyu highlighted the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2022–2026 and its Action Plan, saying implementation was focused on targeted policy, technical and institutional interventions extending across government, the private sector and civil society.
He said a Monitoring and Evaluation Committee for the strategy was formally established and inaugurated by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in February 2025 to strengthen accountability, transparency and effective implementation.
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The ICPC Chairman also cited the National AML/CFT/CPF Strategy 2023–2028, which addresses anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing and is aligned with the country’s broader anti-corruption objectives.
Aliyu said progress in implementing the synchronised strategies culminated in Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025, describing the development as a significant milestone in the country’s anti-corruption and financial-crime reforms.
He also highlighted the role of Nigeria’s specialised anti-corruption training institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) under the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Training School, in strengthening national and regional capacity to combat corruption and financial crimes.
Turning to international cooperation, Aliyu said corruption had become inherently transnational and could therefore not be effectively addressed by individual countries acting alone.
“Nigeria recognises that corruption is an inherently transnational challenge that demands collective, unyielding global action,” he said.
He called for increased and tailored support for developing countries through specialised technical assistance, capacity building and equitable access to advanced anti-corruption education.
Nigeria also urged IACA to broaden its global reach, diversify its specialised curriculum and consolidate its role as a major international hub for anti-corruption education, research and professional excellence.
Aliyu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to collaborate with other States Parties in promoting integrity, strengthening international standards, exchanging best practices and ensuring that corruption does not continue to impede sustainable development, justice and peace.
“Nigeria solemnly reaffirms its enduring commitment to the principles, objectives and founding spirit of IACA,” he said. “We stand fully prepared to work collaboratively with all States Parties to foster a global culture of integrity.”
The ICPC Chairman also commended the leadership and Secretariat of IACA for organising the 15th Assembly, assuring the Academy and participating countries of Nigeria’s continued cooperation in advancing the global fight against corruption.
