The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called for stronger accountability and transparency mechanisms in local government administrations across Kaduna State.
Mr. Sakaba Ishaku, ICPC Resident Commissioner in the state, made the call on Wednesday during a two-day capacity-building workshop organised by the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, in collaboration with the commission and Al Nameer Ideal Concept Limited.
The workshop, themed “Accountability in Local Government: A Springboard for National Development,” drew elected local government officials and stakeholders from across the state.
Ishaku described corruption in Nigeria as “endemic and deeply entrenched,” driven by weak institutions and poor accountability frameworks. He warned that corruption diverts public resources, worsens poverty, fuels conflict, and hampers national development.
According to him, corruption permeates public administration, law enforcement and the judiciary—ranging from petty offences to grand corruption involving huge financial losses. He added that massive wealth was rarely acquired without criminal elements, urging the need to scrutinise even inherited wealth.
He said many citizens resist anti-corruption efforts because corrupt systems benefit a few at the expense of society. He added that strict application of the law would reveal that many people moving freely “should ordinarily be in custody for unlawful actions.”
The commissioner stressed the need for stiffer punishments, noting that light sentences for large financial crimes weaken deterrence. He criticised council chairmen who complete their tenures without executing visible projects to benefit their communities.
Ishaku directed that all major capital disbursements to local governments should be tied to specific projects to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation. He highlighted successes of the ICPC’s constituency project-tracking initiative, which has compelled contractors to return to abandoned or stalled projects.
He recalled that the commission recently launched the Anti-Corruption Prevention Programme for all 774 LGAs in Nigeria and urged Kaduna State to adopt the model to strengthen transparency and project delivery.
He said the ongoing engagement underscores the resolve to fight corruption at the grassroots and ensure public resources translate into development.
Also speaking, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman-Lagos, said the state plays a central role in northern Nigeria’s economy due to heavy traffic of goods through its corridors.
He emphasised that although Nigeria has vast economic potential, progress depends on strong leadership and active community participation in development.
Mamman-Lagos disclosed that the ministry saved over N8 billion through repairs and revitalisation of infrastructure across Zangon Kataf, Kachia and Soba LGAs. He lamented increasing incidents of vandalism and theft of public assets, including transformers and signage, which undermine government investments.
He urged communities and stakeholders to collaborate more closely with government agencies, support awareness campaigns and promote protection of public infrastructure.
The commissioner called for stronger partnerships to improve transparency, protect public investments and enhance grassroots governance.