N700bn paid as bribes in 87m cases in Nigeria in 2023 – ICPC

Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission,ICPC, has disclosed that Nigeria recorded the payment of N700billion in 87 million cases of bribery in 2023.

ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, made this revelation at an event organised by Ahmadu Bello University’s Faculty of Law.

Aliyu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), added that within the same period, the country’s rural areas experienced higher frequencies of bribery than urban areas.

He described corruption as the most significant impediment to Nigeria’s development, adding that it erodes trust in public institutions, undermines the rule of law, and stifles economic growth.

The ICPC boss noted that corruption is both a legal and social issue which requires a comprehensive approach.

Aliyu cited a recent Nigeria Bureau of Statistics survey which ranked corruption fourth among the country’s most pressing problems in 2023 after cost of living, insecurity and unemployment.

While expressing optimism inspite of the challenges, he said, “We are making progress. The rate of citizens reporting bribe payments to official authorities increased from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023. This shows growing awareness and willingness to fight corruption. This is a testament to the growing awareness and willingness of Nigerians to fight corruption.

“Corruption undermines these rights, breeding inequality and oppression. The ICPC is committed to upholding human rights and promoting social justice by combating corruption and ensuring access to essential services.”

Aliyu who also cited a 2018 World Bank survey, noted that sexual harassment is a significant issue in tertiary institutions, with approximately 70% of female graduates reporting experiences of harassment.”

The anti-graft Agency’s boss stressed that abuse of office also remained a form of corrupt practice common in many sectors of the Nigerian public service, adding that sexual harassment is a significant issue in Nigerian tertiary institutions, with studies indicating a high prevalence among female students.

He said that according to the 2018 World Bank survey, approximately 70 per cent of female graduates from these institutions reported experiencing sexual harassment by classmates or instructors.

The ICPC boss described human rights and social justice as the cornerstones of a fair society, ensuring dignity, freedom, and equal opportunities for all.

Aliyu, who also spoke on digital transformation and cybersecurity, noted that the judiciary needs continuous education and training to effectively adjudicate cyber-related cases such as online fraud, sexual extortion, cybersquatting, and unlawful interception of communications.