Dr Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says the commission has recovered about N4 billion within the last 24 hours from funds stolen by public office holders.
Aliyu said that the commission would also deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fight corruption in the country.
Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said this on Thursday in Abuja, on the sideline of the One-Day National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) members hybrid Interactive Forum.
”Today, I want to underscore the potential of technological solutions in promoting accountability and good governance.
”Technology can work wonders because it is not biased like humans. It can help us tackle challenges if we use it properly and effectively.
”We know there are digital platforms that sometimes, unfortunately, contribute to corruption
”However, I can tell you that in the last 24 hours, we have been able to recover four billion Naira of public funds, which were diverted into private accounts,” he said.
According to him, it is alarming to see how much money is being misappropriated, and some individuals have billions of Naira in their possession for personal gain.
”It is a shocking reality that people are hoarding public funds, instead of using them for the benefit of the nation.
”As a commission, we are utilising technology and management systems to restore confidence in the fight against corruption.
”We are committed to ensuring transparency in this endeavour,” he said.
Aliyu said that there were systemic flaws in the country, especially regarding public spending.
He said that there was the need to invest in technology that could help minimise the challenges of corruption, particularly in public procurement.
”By implementing tech-driven processes, we can reduce practices like contract inflation.
”Using technologies like blockchain can help eliminate manipulation and ensure the integrity of public procurement.
”Data analytics are also crucial. The data we rely on is often outdated or inaccurate, which causes inefficiency.
”By embracing AI, we can easily convert certain processes to be more transparent and effective,” Aliyu said.
He underscored the importance of implementing preventive strategies to combat corruption.
”This is why social integrity and capacity building are essential. Civic engagement and public education are key to ensuring that people understand their rights and responsibilities.
”When citizens are aware, they can hold public officers accountable. We must empower our people. Four or five years ago, we could have seen this transformation if we had started then.
”There is the need to ensure that the systems we build today withstand the test of time and foster respect for human rights and dignity.
”We need to build a culture that discourages corruption and promotes ethical governance,” he said.
He also called on the National Assembly to ensure speedy passage of the Whistle Blowing Act, adding that to fight corruption, there was the need to protect whistle blowers.
Mr Muhuyi Magaji, the Chairman Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, said that fighting corruption was a collective responsibility.
Magaji said that when citizens joined hands against corruption, the monster would be easily defeated.
”When people own the fight against corruption, that is when it will always be strengthened. It is not for us at the government level to fight corruption alone.
”It needs the involvement of all, it is a collective fight so the occasion itself is a very important one,” he said.
Mr Demola Bakare, Acting Director, Public Enlightenment and Education, ICPC, urged the participants at the forum to fight corruption without sentiment.
Bakare advised them to also have a deep knowledge of the Act that established the commission to enable them discharge their responsibility effectively
He said that fighting corruption was like a marathon race that needed perseverance and endurance to win.
Bakare pledged the support of the anti-graft agency to all the stakeholders, in winning the war against corruption in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Kadiri Abdulrahman