ICPC, CoDA Renew Partnership to Boost Anti-Corruption, Asset Recovery Efforts

ICPC, CoDA Renew Partnership to Boost Anti-Corruption, Asset Recovery Efforts

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Coalition for Dialogue on Africa (CoDA) on Tuesday renewed their collaboration aimed at strengthening the fight against corruption and improving asset recovery efforts across the continent.

The renewed partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day.

Welcoming the CoDA delegation, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, described the MoU as a practical framework for addressing some of Africa’s most pressing governance challenges. He said the partnership reinforces the Commission’s commitment to continental development, noting that he currently chairs the Steering Committee of the Africa Asset Recovery Practitioners’ Forum (AARP-F), which is pushing for stronger cross-border cooperation against corruption.

According to him, the renewed MoU provides a clear platform for capacity building, strengthening anti-corruption frameworks and improving the recovery and repatriation of stolen assets.

“ICPC has been exploring ways to recover stolen assets and deploy them for Africa’s development. We are also considering how recovered artefacts can be harnessed to develop both the continent and our nation,” he said.

Dr. Aliyu also expressed concern over the loss of cultural heritage, questioning why Africans must “pay foreigners to view our own history and roots.”

He emphasised that corruption remains a shared continental challenge and called for stronger commitments and more regular engagements between ICPC, CoDA and member countries.

“The MoU is a commitment to progress, and development is a shared responsibility. I hope this MoU will open doors for deeper cooperation and tangible results,” he added.

Speaking earlier, Executive Director of CoDA, Ms. Souad Osman-Aden, expressed appreciation for ICPC’s hospitality and reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to deepen collaboration.

She said CoDA continues to grow with wider support from African countries and remains focused on engaging individuals with proven expertise to close critical gaps in the anti-corruption landscape.

“We are renewing this MoU to continue to support the continent in the fight against corruption. We were previously in this room to validate processes for combating illicit financial flows. We are ensuring that members of the coalition are experienced and committed to the wellbeing of Africa,” she stated.

Ambassador Maxwell Mkwezalamba, Senior Adviser to CoDA, also commended ICPC for its leadership and expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would deliver concrete results.

The MoU outlines cooperation in several key areas, including asset recovery and repatriation, combating illicit financial flows, capacity building, knowledge exchange, cultural heritage protection, and coordinated continental responses to corruption. It also provides for regular virtual engagements to ensure sustained progress.

Tuesday’s signing is considered significant as it follows the recent passage of the Asset Recovery Bill and builds on previous joint efforts by ICPC and CoDA to strengthen Africa’s anti-corruption architecture.

Both organisations expressed confidence that the renewed partnership will advance Africa’s development by ensuring that recovered assets and cultural artefacts are returned and utilised for the benefit of African citizens.