The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has stressed the need for Nigeria to draw useful lessons from global best practices and comparative experiences in strengthening the fight against corruption.
Dr Aliyu made the call on Monday at the Second Edition of the International Diplomatic Dialogue organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training arm of the Commission, at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja.
The dialogue, themed “Experience Sharing in Anti-Corruption Strategy: The Indonesian Perspective,” provided an opportunity for Nigeria and Indonesia to exchange knowledge on anti-corruption strategies, institutional and legal reforms, policies and enforcement measures.
Represented by the Secretary to the Commission, MMrClifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, the ICPC Chairman noted that corruption remained a global phenomenon with far-reaching political, socio-economic and developmental consequences, stressing that countries could strengthen their responses by learning from approaches that have proved effective in other jurisdictions.
Dr Aliyu said Indonesia’s experience, particularly through its Corruption Eradication Commission, Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK), offered valuable lessons as Nigeria continues to deepen its anti-corruption efforts.
According to him, understanding international best practices and identifying innovative approaches that can be adapted to Nigeria’s local realities would further strengthen the country’s anti-corruption drive.
He added that the Diplomatic Dialogue reflected the commitment of ICPC and ACAN to fostering international cooperation, promoting evidence-based approaches to corruption prevention and building a culture of integrity, transparency and accountability in the public and private sectors.
The ICPC Chairman expressed appreciation to the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria for sharing the country’s experiences, noting that the engagement would further strengthen the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia and demonstrate their shared commitment to good governance and ethical leadership.
The Provost of Anti-Corruption Academy (ACAN), Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, in his remarks, highlighted Indonesia’s historical role in promoting solidarity and cooperation among developing countries, tracing it to the 1955 Bandung Conference and drawing a connection between the Bandung spirit and contemporary efforts against corruption and injustice.
He asserted that Indonesia’s experience offers a wider lesson for developing countries, particularly Africa, adding that the country’s anti-corruption strategy combines preventive education, asset disclosure and criminal prosecution, with KPK at its centre.
In her keynote address delivered on behalf of the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, the Minister Counsellor for Political Affairs, Mrs Tuty Dityawanty, shared Indonesia’s experience in combating corruption through the KPK.
She explained that the KPK, established in 2003 as a specialised anti-corruption institution, has a mandate covering the coordination and supervision of other anti-corruption institutions, investigation and prosecution of corruption offences, prevention of corrupt practices and monitoring of state governance.
Mrs Dityawanty highlighted the KPK’s record of prosecuting and securing convictions against high-profile public officials, including ministers, governors, lawmakers and judges, while acknowledging that challenges remain, particularly bribery associated with public services and business licensing.
She also identified public support and confidence as important factors in the effectiveness of Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts, noting that the prosecution of powerful individuals had helped challenge the culture of impunity.
The Indonesian envoy’s representative further highlighted the country’s asset-declaration regime, under which public officials, civil servants, executives of state-owned enterprises and other senior officials are required to disclose their wealth through the State Administrator Asset Report (LHKPN), administered by the KPK.
She emphasised that Indonesia’s anti-corruption achievements were the product of persistence, strong institutions, effective enforcement, transparency, public support and deliberate policy choices.
The International Diplomatic Dialogue is an initiative of ACAN aimed at facilitating the exchange of experiences and strengthening international cooperation in the fight against corruption.
