ICPC Chair Advocates Integrity at Oxford Anti-Corruption Forum

ICPC Chair Advocates Integrity at Oxford Anti-Corruption Forum

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has urged global business leaders to prioritise corporate integrity as a strategic investment for sustainable growth and long-term success.

Speaking at the World Anti-Corruption Conference (WACC) 2025 held at Rhodes House, Oxford, United Kingdom, Dr. Aliyu presented a paper titled “Corporate Integrity in a Global Marketplace: Compliance, Challenges and Strategies – The Nigerian Experience.”

He noted that while globalisation has unlocked vast opportunities for innovation and trade, it has also exposed companies to complex legal environments and corruption pressures across jurisdictions.
“Fighting corruption is not just about having laws; it is about building a culture of honesty,” he said. “When leaders act with integrity, the rest of the organisation will follow. Integrity must be demonstrated from the top and reinforced by systems that reward ethical behaviour.”

Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, the ICPC Chairman identified major challenges facing businesses, including inconsistent international legal standards, facilitation payment pressures, and weak internal oversight mechanisms. He emphasised that strong leadership, effective compliance frameworks, and board-level accountability remain crucial to overcoming these issues.

Dr. Aliyu also underscored the need for whistleblower protection, regular ethics training, and the inclusion of ethical performance in staff evaluations to sustain a culture of integrity.

He urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to view integrity not as a regulatory burden but as a foundation for trust, competitiveness, and resilience.
“A company that conducts its business honestly earns public respect, attracts investors, and becomes more resilient. Integrity is not a cost; it is an investment,” he said.

According to him, the ICPC continues to strengthen enforcement and prevention measures through prosecution of offenders, system reviews, and public education campaigns promoting transparency in governance and corporate conduct.

Reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with international partners, regulators, and the private sector, Dr. Aliyu said:
“We are building a future where honesty is the norm in business, not the exception. This requires strong leadership, collaboration, and consistency.”

The 2025 WACC, themed “United for Integrity: Innovation, Collaboration, and Accountability in the Fight Against Corruption,” brought together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from developed and emerging economies to explore new strategies for strengthening ethical standards in global business.