The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has called on global business leaders to embrace corporate integrity as a vital investment in sustainable growth and long-term success.
Speaking at the World Anti-Corruption Conference (WACC) 2025, held at Rhodes House, Oxford, United Kingdom, Dr. Aliyu delivered a paper titled “Corporate Integrity in a Global Marketplace: Compliance, Challenges and Strategies – The Nigerian Experience.”
He observed that in today’s interconnected global economy, businesses are no longer constrained by borders. While globalisation has expanded opportunities for innovation and trade, it has also exposed companies to significant risks, particularly in navigating complex legal systems and corruption pressures across jurisdictions.
“Fighting corruption is not just about having laws; it is about building a culture of honesty. When leaders act with integrity, the rest of the organisation will follow. Integrity must be demonstrated from the top and reinforced by systems that reward ethical behaviour.” Dr. Aliyu stated.
Drawing lessons from Nigeria’s experience, the ICPC Chairman outlined key challenges confronting businesses, including differing international legal standards, pressure to pay facilitation fees, and weak internal oversight mechanisms. He emphasised that strong leadership, effective compliance frameworks, and board-level accountability are essential to addressing these challenges.
Dr. Aliyu also highlighted the importance of whistleblower protection, regular ethics training, and integrating ethical performance into staff appraisals.
He urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to view integrity not as a burden but as a foundation for trust, competitiveness, and sustainable growth.
“A company that conducts its business honestly earns public respect, attracts investors, and becomes more resilient,” he said. “Integrity is not a cost, it is an investment.”, the ICPC Chairman stressed.
According to him, the ICPC continues to strengthen enforcement and preventive measures through prosecution of offenders, system reviews, and public education initiatives that promote transparency in governance and corporate conduct.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with international partners, regulators, and the private sector to promote ethical business practices across borders.
“We are building a future where honesty is the norm in business, not the exception. This requires strong leadership, collaboration, and consistency,” he concluded.
The World Anti-Corruption Conference 2025, themed “United for Integrity: Innovation, Collaboration, and Accountability in the Fight Against Corruption,” brought together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from both developed and emerging markets to explore strategies for strengthening integrity in international business.
