Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu, has raised alarm over the persistent and deeply entrenched corruption at the local government level, describing it as a major threat to grassroots development and public trust.
Speaking on Wednesday during the Commission’s engagement with the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) in Abuja, Adamu emphasized that corruption often thrives most dangerously where governance is closest to the people.
The engagement, themed “Accountability and Corruption Prevention in Local Government Administration,” brought together stakeholders to address challenges undermining effective service delivery and democratic development at the local level.
According to Hobnob News Nigeria, Adamu noted that local government administration, being the closest tier of government to the populace, is fundamentally positioned to deliver essential services and drive community development. However, he lamented that this critical level of governance has become a fertile ground for corrupt practices.
“The diversion of funds meant for local projects, ghost worker syndicates, inflated contracts, and the misappropriation of internally generated revenues are but a few examples of the corrupt practices that undermine the very essence of local governance,” he stated.
Adamu warned that when corruption festers at the grassroots, it directly hinders development, erodes public confidence in government, and ultimately impedes national progress.
He emphasized that the ICPC’s mandate goes beyond prosecuting corruption cases, extending to proactive prevention strategies, public education, and the promotion of integrity across all levels of government.
Describing the engagement as a “strategic convergence of minds,” Adamu urged members of the NACC to serve as vigilant partners in the anti-corruption fight.
“We must explore innovative ways to empower citizens to demand accountability from their local government officials,” he said. “Citizen participation in budget monitoring, project oversight, and the reporting of corrupt practices is paramount.”
While stressing the need for zero tolerance towards corruption, Adamu acknowledged the capacity challenges and external pressures sometimes faced by local government officials. He called for efforts to build a more resilient system that equips public servants with the tools, training, and ethical grounding necessary to resist corruption.
The ICPC chairman’s remarks underscored the agency’s commitment to reforming local governance through accountability, transparency, and citizen engagement.
