ICPC, Lagos Ministry Deepen Grassroots Anti-Corruption Alliance

ICPC, Lagos Ministry Deepen Grassroots Anti-Corruption Alliance

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has strengthened its collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development in a renewed push to reinforce integrity and accountability at the grassroots tier of governance.

In a statement signed on Saturday by the Commission’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, the ICPC said the partnership was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit to the Ministry, where discussions focused on preventing corruption and improving ethical practices across Lagos’ local government structures.

Speaking during the visit, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr. Alexander Chukwurah, said the Commission deliberately targets critical stakeholders, particularly local governments, which he described as the tier of government closest to the people.

He stressed the need for sustained engagement, noting that prevention remains the most cost-effective method of fighting corruption. According to him, the ICPC’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention in Local Governments (ACCP-LG) initiative was developed to strengthen internal controls and promote integrity within local government operations.

“The ICPC’s mandates, Enforcement, Prevention, and Public Education, are all designed to influence behavioural change,” Chukwurah stated. He added that the Commission’s anti-corruption message is “often unpopular because it challenges entrenched norms and traditions,” making continuous interaction with local governments essential for reducing corruption risks.

Welcoming the delegation, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, described the ICPC as “a strategic partner and an integral part of the Ministry’s success story.” She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to accountability and transparency and expressed readiness to work closely with the Commission to sensitise staff across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Bolaji Kayode Robert, commended the ICPC for prioritising prevention over enforcement. He said the grassroots-focused approach was crucial, especially in a state like Lagos, which is divided into five traditional administrative zones: Ikeja, Ikorodu, Badagry, Lagos Central, and Epe.

He assured the Commission of the Ministry’s full cooperation to expand anti-corruption awareness campaigns and strengthen ethical governance across all local government structures.

The visit marks what the ICPC described as a significant step in its continuous drive to build institutional partnerships that promote integrity, transparency and accountability at the grassroots level.