ICPC reveals systemic flaws in Nigeria’s contract system, urges legislative action
Speaking at a Procurement Engagement Workshop in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Anti-Corruption Day, Dr Aliyu called for urgent legislative action, including the creation of Special Crimes Courts and stronger oversight, to salvage the system.
He was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS.
The Chairman identified routine malpractices like inflated contracts, phantom projects, and collusion between contractors and officials as primary drains on public resources.
Dr Aliyu cited findings from the Commission’s Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative, CEPTI, which has uncovered projects deliberately sited on private land, duplicated contracts, and critical infrastructure abandoned due to political transitions.
While reaffirming a collaborative tracking initiative with the Federal Ministry of Works on road projects, ICPC boss shifted focus to the foundational reforms needed.
“Transparent procurement requires full disclosure, open competition, and rigorous performance reporting,” he stated, stressing that technology like e-procurement systems was futile without political will and institutional reform.
He specifically appealed to the National Assembly to ensure adequate funding for anti-corruption agencies and to prioritise the establishment of Special Crimes Courts to expedite justice.
