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Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, Numerous Assets On N2.8bn Budget: Reps Demands Funding Overhaul For ICPC
Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, Numerous Assets On N2.8bn Budget: Reps Demands Funding Overhaul For ICPC
Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, numerous assets on N2.8bn budget: Reps demands funding overhaul for ICPC. The House of Representatives has declared that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is deserving of significantly increased funding and official commendation from the Federal Government.
This endorsement follows the Commission’s impressive performance, which has been sustained despite severe financial constraints.
Lawmakers made this assertion on Friday during the ICPC’s defense of its 2026 budget proposal before the House Committee on Anti-Corruption. Committee members lauded the Commission for its substantial financial recoveries on behalf the Federal Government, especially given what they termed “inadequate funding” for its operations.
They questioned the logic of underfunding an agency with a statutory mandate to combat corruption, warning that such neglect could compromise the safety and integrity of personnel handling sensitive cases nationwide.
During the session, Rt . Hon Kayode Akiolu, opened the box of praises for the ICPC and its Chairman by stating that the ICPC is an Anti- Corruption agency in Nigeria whose methods are wholesome and meet international best practices.
He commended the Chairman for being firm in sustaining solid foundations and examples for purposeful law enforcement. Also speaking, Hon. Abdulmaleek Abdulraheem, representing the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency of Kogi State, highlighted the Commission’s remarkable return on investment.
“You only got N2.8 billion last year, yet you were able to recover N33.16 billion and 1.8 million dollars, alongside numerous convictions,” Hon. Abdulraheem stated.
“There are agencies that are heavily funded but return nothing to the coffers of the Federal Government. As a committee, we must do something for the ICPC.
They deserve commendation, and we must also scrutinize their appropriation. Whatever was deducted from their 2026 budget should be refunded. If they cannot be given more than what was approved in 2025, they should not go below that figure.”
He further cautioned that persistent underfunding could expose the Commission to undue pressure and compromise, as resource scarcity can create vulnerabilities within critical anti-corruption institutions.
Echoing these concerns, other committee members requested amendment that would allow the Commission to retain a percentage of its recovered funds to directly support its operational and administrative activities.
According to Dr. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi, representing the Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency, “We, as a committee, must push for an arrangement that allows the Commission to retain a certain percentage of its recoveries, just as the Nigeria Customs Service, NNPC, and other agencies do, in order to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on unpredictable budgetary allocations.”
Earlier in his presentation, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, appealed to the National Assembly to facilitate improved funding, enabling the Commission to effectively discharge its statutory mandate.
Dr. Aliyu lamented that inadequate funding, compounded by the poor release of approved allocations, significantly hampered the Commission’s operations in 2025. He disclosed that out of the N7.82 billion approved for overhead costs, a mere N2.1 billion (approximately 28%) was released. This shortfall had tangible consequences.
“Our lawyers and investigators often had to deploy personal funds to attend court proceedings and conduct investigations due to limited operational vehicles,” Dr. Aliyu explained. “Several investigations were stalled, and we experienced difficulties in paying service providers, particularly for our rented state offices.”
The situation was even more dire for capital projects. Although N7.3 billion was approved for capital expenditure, only N400.49 million (about 5%) was released.
Furthermore, these funds were released late, on November 28, 2025. “With such a late release, we could not fully execute projects as planned or award contracts in strict compliance with standard procurement practices,” he added.
Despite these daunting challenges, the ICPC Chairman reported notable achievements within the review period. These included the recovery of N33.1 billion in cash and $1.8 million, in addition to other intervention recoveries and seized assets. The Commission also filed 72 cases, secured 36 convictions, and is currently prosecuting approximately 400 cases across various courts nationwide.
In the realm of prevention and public engagement, Dr. Aliyu stated that the Commission received 1,107 petitions, assigned 700 for investigation, and successfully concluded 150 inquiries.
ICPC
Furthermore, Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecards were deployed across 344 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and 131 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) were inaugurated nationwide.
Dr. Aliyu expressed deep concern over the proposed 2026 budget, noting a reduction from the Commission’s N25.8 billion proposal. The adjustments include a cut of N4.7 billion from overhead costs and N2.2 billion from capital expenditure. He warned that without urgent intervention, these cuts would adversely affect the Commission’s operations.
The ICPC Chairman reassured the Committee of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline and the prudent management of resources, should funding be improved.
It would be recalled that the ICPC management team had previously appeared before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption to defend its 2026 budget proposal.
During that session, assurances were given that efforts would be made to engage the Senate Committee on Appropriation to consider enhancing the Commission’s funding.
J. Okor Odey
Spokesperson/Head, Media & Public Communications
Akpabio: U.S. Reduced Embassy Staff In Abuja, Afraid Iran Will Strike Nigeria
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said that the United States government is reducing its embassy staff, especially in Nigeria, over fears of possible attacks by Iran.
Mr Akpabio also said the adjustment in diplomatic staffing levels should not be linked to Nigeria’s current political environment, arguing that such decisions are usually driven by global security considerations.
He spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the National Assembly Service Commission’s new headquarters in Abuja, explaining that several countries are currently reassessing their overseas diplomatic footprint amid rising security threats across regions.
“Some say that even now, some embassies are closing down. Not many embassies are closing down. Many of the embassies are afraid of the repercussions from their foes,” he said.
Akpabio added, “For instance, I can say that America is a bit worried about the bomb blast from Iran, and so across the world, they have to reduce their staff in case Iran decides to attack their embassies.
“When people are thinking, oh! Nigeria’s embassies are closing because an election is coming. It’s not because the election is coming.
“Election will come and go, and God will protect you. God will protect Nigeria. Nigeria will outlive this election.”
His remarks come barely a week after the U.S. State Department authorised non-emergency government employees and family members to evacuate its embassy in Abuja due to the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.
Akpabio
In its advisory, the U.S. explained that “there is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Nigeria.
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists collaborate with local gangs to expand their reach.”
But the Nigerian government quickly dismissed the concerns, describing the U.S. advisory as a routine precaution rather than a reflection of Nigeria’s overall security situation.
IGP Disu Received POWA President During A Courtesy Visit To The Force Headquarters
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, today received the POWA President, Mrs. Olufumilola Mutiat Disu, and her delegation during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
In his remarks, the IGP described the visit as a demonstration of solidarity, lauding POWA’s invaluable contributions to the welfare of police families. He acknowledged their role in cushioning the rigors of police service, nurturing officers’ children, and fostering peaceful home environments.
The visit further underscored POWA’s repositioning agenda, which includes the nationwide launch of a free eye care initiative, expansion of welfare programs, and commitments to mental and emotional support, economic empowerment, youth development, and national unity.
IGP Disu Received POWA President
The IGP encouraged deeper collaboration among members to strengthen welfare structures and enhance the well-being of police officers and their families.
How EFCC Boosts Lawyers’ Skills For More Effective Prosecution
As part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against corruption, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has called on the Commission’s legal officers to demonstrate greater diligence, precision, and professionalism in preparing charges and court processes.
Olukoyede made the call in Lagos on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the opening of a three-day intensive training programme for EFCC legal officers held at the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 Conference Hall, Okotie Eboh.
The training, titled “Training Programme for Legal Officers on Preparation and Dealing with Appeals in Financial Crimes & Allied Matters, Evidence Gathering and Trial Preparation for Young Lawyers,” focuses on strengthening expertise in key prosecution areas, including charge drafting, appeals management, evidence gathering, and trial preparation.
In his opening remarks, the EFCC chairman, who was represented by the Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, said the training was designed to promote knowledge sharing and capacity building among legal officers.
According to him, the initiative reinforces the Commission’s sustained commitment to professional development as a key driver of institutional effectiveness in combating economic and financial crimes nationwide.
“This training is a strategic initiative designed to ensure that our officers handle cases with the highest level of competence and professionalism,” he said.
Earlier, the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Okotie Eboh, Ikoyi, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Bawa Usman Kaltungo, declared the programme open and emphasized the need for continuous training and retraining of the Commission’s lawyers in response to emerging trends in criminal prosecution.
“When I received the memo and looked at the title, I said this is very apt. Our Executive Chairman is a trainer, and I am not surprised he agreed to this training. We need to constantly improve our skills. There is always a need for training and retraining”, he said.
Participants drawn from the Port Harcourt, Uyo, Benin, Ibadan, and Lagos Zonal Directorates 1 and 2 are expected to apply the knowledge gained to improve prosecution quality, reduce procedural errors, and enhance justice delivery in financial crime cases.
The training features paper presentations on topics including: Concept and Purpose of Appeals in Economic and Financial Crimes and Allied Matters; Drafting Competent and Effective Grounds of Appeal in EFCC Cases; Handling Evidence Issues in Appeals; Effective Drafting of Appellants’ and Respondents’ Briefs; Digital Evidence and Cybercrime Appeals; Strategies for Building Strong Appeals; Oral Advocacy Skills; Interlocutory Appeals; Compilation and Transmission of Records of Appeal; and Appeals in Asset Forfeiture and Recovery.
EFCC
Other sessions include: Admissibility of Evidence Under the Evidence Act 2011; Relevance as the Foundation of Admissible Evidence; Documentary Evidence and the Admissibility of Public and Private Documents; Electronic and Digital Evidence in EFCC Cases; Trial and Evidence Gathering in Financial Crime Prosecutions; Burden and Standard of Proof in Civil and Criminal Cases; Expert Evidence; Hearsay Evidence and Its Exceptions; and Confessional Statements: Admissibility and Weight in Nigerian Courts.
The training is expected to wind up on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
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