ICPC Recovered N33.16bn, $1.8m, Multi-billion Assets in 2025, Reps Demands Funding Overhaul for Commission
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, 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. 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.