Maryam Aminu
In a major boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finance management.
The pact, signed on International Anti-Corruption Day, was described as historic and timely by the Executive Chairman of FRC, Mr. Victor Muruako, and the Executive Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN. Both leaders emphasized that the collaboration reflects a renewed commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s resources and intensifying the fight against corruption.
Speaking at the ceremony, the two chairmen highlighted the significance of the agreement, noting that it will enhance fiscal discipline, deepen institutional synergy, and ensure more coordinated responses to financial crimes and public sector abuses.
Under the MoU, both agencies will collaborate on capacity building, joint investigations, information sharing, and asset recovery. The ICPC’s Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) will offer specialized training to FRC personnel in areas such as forensic investigation, financial crime detection, digital evidence recovery, and prosecution techniques. In return, both bodies will exchange experts for workshops and public enlightenment initiatives.
The agreement also empowers both institutions to launch joint investigations and coordinated enforcement operations where cases fall under the mandates of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and the ICPC Act 2000. It further establishes a framework for mutual support in tracing, freezing, confiscating, and recovering stolen public funds.
The MoU guarantees structured and confidential information sharing between both agencies while maintaining strict ethical standards and compliance with relevant laws.
According to both parties, the partnership is expected to dismantle institutional barriers that often hinder effective enforcement, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture.
The document, which may be terminated with a 30-day notice by either party, marks a renewed phase of cooperation between the two integrity institutions.
Officials present at the signing included senior directors and department heads from both agencies.
Representing the FRC were Barr. Charles Chukwuemeka Abana (Director, Legal, Investigation and Enforcement), Bede Ogueri Anyanwu (Deputy Director, Strategic Communications), Mr. Bello Gulmare (Deputy Director, Monitoring and Evaluation), and Mr. Ugo Chinemerem Uzoma (Deputy Director, Protocol and SERVICOM).
From the ICPC were Sir Clifford Okwudiri Oparandu, Mr. Henry Emore (Director of Legal), Mr. Shehu Yahaya, FSC (Director, Policy and Standards), Mr. Ibrahim Garba Kajaya (Head, Procurement), Mr. Ambrose Songo, FCAI (Head, Audit), Mr. Sunday Ibrahim (Representative of the Director of Finance and Administration), Mr. Bashir Dagoro, and Mrs. Chinyere Emeoha (Deputy Director, Human Resources).
The ceremony ended with both chairmen reaffirming their resolve to advance transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in line with Nigeria’s Constitution and existing anti-corruption laws.
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