ICPC urges teamwork to curb job racketeering, systemic corruption

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering fairness, transparency, and integrity in public sector hiring processes.

Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, made this commitment during a courtesy visit by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), led by its Executive Secretary, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril.

According to ICPC Spokesperson Demola Bakare, Aliyu stressed the need for inter-agency cooperation to combat systemic corruption and abuse of office, particularly in recruitment.

“Collaboration between agencies is crucial to tackling entrenched corruption, especially in how recruitment is conducted,” Aliyu said.

He urged the CDCFIB to prioritize merit-based hiring and ensure equal opportunities for young Nigerians seeking employment under its oversight.

Expressing alarm over rising job racketeering, Aliyu warned, “Unaddressed corrupt practices in recruitment undermine national progress and deter foreign investment.”

He added, “Government agencies must champion fairness to create a level playing field for all applicants, regardless of their background, to foster national unity.”

Aliyu outlined the ICPC’s three-pronged strategy to combat corruption, emphasizing prevention, enforcement, and public awareness.

“Fighting corruption requires a holistic approach, not just arrests and prosecutions,” he noted. To strengthen ties with the CDCFIB, he proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate intelligence sharing, capacity building, and collaboration on shared goals.

In response, Jibril expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the importance of aligning CDCFIB’s operations with ICPC’s anti-corruption mandate.

“We are committed to working closely with the ICPC to ensure integrity and transparency in our processes,” Jibril affirmed.

The CDCFIB, established under the Customs Immigration and Prisons Services Board Decree No. 14 of July 11, 1986, oversees paramilitary services previously managed by the Ministry of Interior, except for the Nigerian Customs and Excise.