The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC has embarked on groundbreaking initiative to strengthen its fight against corruption through collaboration with the Chinese Police.
The strategic partnership which aimed to leverage advanced technologies and expertise to combat various forms of corruption that plague both countries took place at the boardroom of the ICPC when the representative of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Hou Wen Yu, the Counsellor Police Attache paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s Chairman, Adamu Musa Aliyu.
Aliyu in his welcome remarks, stated that the ICPC was established in the year 2000, and has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, focusing on investigating and prosecuting corrupt practices across public and private sectors. It is also engaged in the prevention of corruption, public enlightenment and youth mobilisation, and its collaboration with the Chinese Police underscores commitment to utilising innovative approaches in tackling corruption, recognising the global nature of this pervasive issue.
He noted that China, known for its robust technological advancements would bring a wealth of expertise in utilising cutting-edge tools for law enforcement and surveillance. Adding that by joining forces with Chinese authorities, the ICPC seeks to enhance its capabilities in gathering intelligence, conducting investigations, and prosecuting offenders involved in corrupt activities that cross international boundaries.
The ICPC boss emphasised that technological innovation forms the cornerstone of the collaboration, with both entities expected to exchange knowledge and resources in areas such as data analysis, forensic investigation techniques, and digital surveillance, adding that this exchange promises to equip the ICPC with state-of-the-art tools necessary to track illicit financial flows, identify corrupt practices, and hold perpetrators accountable.
MUST READ: Minimum Wage: State Governors battle ready for NEC meeting
In his remarks, the representative of the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Hou Wen Yu stated that the Chinese Police is the mother of law enforcement agencies in China, adding that the partnership was not merely confined to technological exchange but also encompasses capacity building and training programmes which aim to empower ICPC officials with specialised skills and knowledge essential for effectively combating sophisticated forms of corruption that often involve complex networks and financial transactions.
Hou also stressed that in addition to technological advancements, the collaboration emphasises the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational corruption challenges, adding that by fostering strong ties with Chinese law enforcement agencies, the ICPC strengthens its position within the global anti-corruption framework, promoting mutual understanding and shared strategies in combating corruption.
He invited the ICPC Chairman to attend the fifth plenary meeting of the operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, GlobalE Network which will take place in Beijing, China.
Meanwhile, ICPC AND Standard Chartered Bank of Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU on ways to tackle the menace of financial fraud risk in the country.
The MoU was signed on Wednesday at the Commission’s Headquarters when some management staff of the Bank led by its Executive Director, Compliance and Risk Management, Siji Adeyinka, paid a courtesy call to the Commission.
In his remark, the ICPC Chairman, Musa Adamu Aliyu, underscored the importance of effective collaboration with financial institutions like Standard Chartered Bank saying the movement of money from one end to the other start with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies like ICPC requires their expertise and information to tackle financial fraud in the public sector.
“We as law enforcement agencies cannot work without partners that are key to our work like your bank. With your background, you’ll be of a lot of help to us and I know we also have a lot to offer to you.”, the ICPC boss stressed.
According to him, “Some of the issues concerning the movement of money start with financial institutions but don’t end there and you are the people who have the information, once we’ve been able to understand how we can work together, we’ll solve a lot of challenges confronting us.”
The ICPC Boss also expressed the readiness of the Commission to pursue a good working relationship with Standard Chartered Bank saying it was ready to formalise the MoU with the bank.
The Executive-Director, Compliance and Risk Management Siji Adeyinka said, the essence of the visit was to appreciate the good work the ICPC was doing to stem corrupt practices and offer strategies and training that would aid the curbing of financial frauds in the public sector.
The high point of the event was the signing of the MoU between the Commission and the Standard Chartered Bank.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
