The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced a partnership with the Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) to enhance transparency, accountability, and the prevention of corruption in local government financial management.
ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, shared the development during a courtesy visit by NCYP leadership to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Aliyu, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Clifford Oparaodu, reaffirmed the ICPC’s dedication to ensuring that Nigerians at the grassroots level benefit from the Federal Government’s policy on local government financial autonomy.
He emphasised that achieving this objective would require strategic collaborations with key stakeholders to prevent corruption and ensure the prudent management of public resources.
“We are committed to working with you to ensure that local government financial autonomy translates into tangible benefits for the grassroots and enhances the quality of life in our communities,” Aliyu stated.
He urged the NCYP and other Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) to support the commission’s anti-corruption initiatives by raising public awareness and holding elected officials accountable.
Aliyu further stressed the importance of equipping communities with information on how local government funds are allocated and spent.
“This knowledge will empower citizens to educate others, monitor financial transactions, expose corrupt practices, and promote accountability among public officeholders,” he explained.
He called on the NCYP to take an active role in educating their communities about how local government councils utilise public funds.
“The process of accountability must begin with you, and its impact will extend to the wider society,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the NCYP, Chairman Mr Isaac Abrak commended the ICPC for its steadfast anti-corruption efforts under Aliyu’s leadership.
Abrak expressed the group’s strong interest in collaborating with the commission to ensure that local government funds are utilised effectively for community development.
“We are here to acknowledge and commend the commission for upholding the rule of law and due process in line with its constitutional mandate,” Abrak said.
He noted that the NCYP has long advocated for grassroots development and the financial independence of local governments.
Abrak described the recent financial autonomy granted by the Federal Government and upheld by the Supreme Court as one of the most significant and people-centred policies introduced by the current administration.
“We have confidence in the present government’s commitment to disbursing funds directly into local government accounts.
“This will go a long way in addressing many of the challenges faced by local governments and improving conditions for people at the grassroots,” he stated.
He also expressed the NCYP’s eagerness to assist the ICPC in ensuring that financial autonomy is properly implemented and that local government funds are used for their intended purposes.
Additionally, Abrak praised the ICPC’s recent engagement with local government executives in Gombe State and encouraged the commission to continue its efforts in strengthening accountability at the grassroots level.
