The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has expressed determination to prevent corruption and enhance transparency in local government areas across the country.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, said this at a stakeholders’ meeting on ICPC Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for LGs (ACPPLG) on Thursday in Abuja.

Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that the commission was poised to restore public trust in local government administration by strengthening governance structure that will enhance service delivery.

He said that local government administration played a vital role in delivering essential public services and fostering grassroots development in Nigeria.

According to him, as the tier of government closest to the people, its effectiveness directly impacts citizens’ welfare.

“For decades, systemic challenges such as financial mismanagement, lack of transparency and governance inefficiencies have hindered the local governments from fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.

“The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling of July 2024 reaffirming the financial autonomy of the local government present a unique opportunity to reposition this critical sector for efficiency and accountability.

“However, autonomy alone is not enough, there must be robust frameworks to ensure that local government funds are managed transparently and utilised for the benefit of the people,’’ he said.

Aliyu said that the ICPC had developed the ACPPLG to strengthen financial management, enhance transparency and promote proactive disclosure in local government administration.

He said that the key objectives of ACPPLG included ensuring transparency in local government operations and decision making, facilitating proactive disclosure of financial and administrative activities, and enhancing public communication and citizen engagement in governance.

“it also includes training local government officials on ethical governance and accountability, leveraging technology to improve transparency and access to public information, promoting collaboration between local government councils, civil society and development partners.

“Others are stablishing monitoring mechanisms to track governance performance, fostering inclusivity by ensuring that marginalised groups participate in decision making and encouraging sustainable development practices in local government policy making,’’ he said.

Aliyu said that ACPPLG assessment framework was built around five thematic areas, which are fiscal transparency, open procurement, human resources. corruption control and citizen engagement.

He said that focusing on these areas, the ICPC aimed to strengthen governance structure, enhance service delivery and restore public trust in local government.

“To achieve these goals, ACPPLG will deploy its investigative, prosecutorial and regulatory functions to ensure compliance.

“These include legislative enforcement, and periodic audits and oversight mechanisms to identify and rectify noncompliance.

“State governments must recognise their role in supporting local government council, ensuring that this reform is implemented without administrative bottlenecks,’’ he said.

In a goodwill message, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice said that the Federal Government remained resolute in its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and good governance at all levels.

Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is also the Attorney General of the Federation, was represented by Mr Mohammed Abubakar, a director in the ministry.

He said that this was as encapsulated in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

He commended the ICPC for its unwavering dedication to the cause of integrity, transparency, and good governance.

Fagbemi said that the commission’s proactive engagement with stakeholders through fora such as this reflected a commendable commitment to collaborative governance.

Sen. Emmanuel Udende, Senate Committee Chairman on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, said that the committee would work tirelessly to support policies that guarantee the responsible management of public funds.

Represented by a member of the committee, Sen. Anthony Yaro, Udende said that the committee would ensure that allocations meant for LGs translated into real development for the people.

”Through oversight functions, the National Assembly will remain vigilant in ensuring that local government administrations are held accountable for the development of communities.

”We will also try to ensure that efficient services are delivered, and how effectively we can combat poverty and underdevelopment,” he said.

Also speaking, Hon. Kayode Akiolu, Chairman, House Committee on Anti Corruption, said that the initiative would ensure accountability and corruption prevention in the LGs.(NAN)