The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and with the support of the MacArthur Foundation, organised a one-day workshop on Monday, October 21, in Abuja. The workshop, which enjoyed a high capacity participation by about 70 journalists drawn from across Nigeria and the presence of other key stakeholders – including ICPC officials, civil society organisations, and academics – was aimed at enhancing journalists’ role in the fight against corruption.
The theme of the workshop, “Power of the Pen in the Fight Against Corruption,” served to explore media’s influence in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), who emphasized the importance of government’s efforts in tackling corruption and abuse of power, highlighted the longstanding collaboration between ICPC and the media.
According to him, the ICPC and the Press have joint initiatives such as investigative journalism training, radio and TV programmes, and the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative, all of which are aimed at engaging the fourth estate of the realm in the anti-corruption campaign.
Dr. Aliyu underscored the media’s crucial role in amplifying these anti-corruption initiatives, ensuring public resources are properly utilized, and that projects adhere to quality standards.
He, however expressed concern over the underreporting of the Commission’s work, calling for stronger alliances to broaden public awareness.
“There is still much work to be done in raising awareness of ICPC’s initiatives, as many of the Commission’s efforts remain underreported or overlooked. It is essential to build coalitions and partnerships to bring more voices on board,” he said.
Dr. Aliyu also stressed the need for investigative journalism to be guided by the principles of human rights, emphasizing that both the media and anti-corruption agencies must operate within these boundaries.
According to him, “The media’s power to shape public opinion, expose corruption, and drive accountability is immense, and investigative journalism remains a key tool in this effort.”
Dr. Musa Aliyu said the recent Supreme Court decision granting financial autonomy to local governments has presented new opportunities for the commission to partner with the media in promoting transparency and accountability at the grassroots level.
The ICPC boss said the anti-corruption body was also advancing initiatives such as the local government integrity initiative and advocating literary activism to inspire behavioural change through literature, jingles, and thematic short videos.
After 24 years of dedicated work in anti-corruption, he said the commission was more committed than ever to effective collaboration with all critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption.
He said: “The media is a significant partner in this endeavour. To this end, and informed by critical empirical studies on corruption in Nigeria, ICPC has aligned its Strategic Action Plan for 2024-2028 with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, NACS.
“Recognizing the importance of communication in driving our action plan, we have developed a robust Communication Strategy and reviewed our four-year-old Communication Policy to ensure they are aligned with present national realities.’’
Bothered by the security of his colleagues, NUJ President, Chris Isiguzo, called for maximum protection of journalists to enable them expose corrupt practices in the country. Isiguzo noted that the safety and security of journalists must be a top priority, if they are to continue their essential duty with all its risks.
He said: “While our role in combating corruption is crucial, we cannot ignore the inherent dangers that come with it. The fight against corruption is, in itself, a risky venture. Journalists who expose corruption often face threats to their lives, intimidation, harassment, and, in some cases, physical violence. Unfortunately, these risks are all too real in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
“The safety and security of journalists must be a top priority, if we are to continue this essential work. The NUJ, along with our partners, must advocate for stronger protections for journalists who take on the dangerous task of exposing corruption.
“There is an urgent need for laws that not only protect freedom of the press but also ensure that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of retaliation.
“Journalists should not be forced to choose between their duty to the public and their personal safety. We need comprehensive policies that guarantee the security of investigative journalists and whistleblowers, ensuring that their important work does not result in harm. This includes creating mechanisms for reporting threats, providing legal support, and fostering a safe environment where journalists can carry out their work with confidence.
“I call on the government, civil society organisations (CSOs), and media owners to ensure that journalists are well-equipped and protected, both physically and legally, to investigate and report on corruption without interference. The pen is mightier than the sword, but it must be wielded with safety in mind.”
President and Chairman of the council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Naliaku, the keynote speaker, emphasised the crucial role of journalists in combating corruption at this critical time in Nigeria.
Dr Naliaku stressed the need for increased collaboration between the media, public relations practitioners, and stakeholders to expose and tackle corruption effectively.
He pointed out that the power of the pen, when used with integrity and commitment, can hold leaders accountable, raise public awareness and influence policy reforms.
Dr Naliaku, who traced the history of corruption back to the colonial days, pointed out that the pen had been badly and heavily threatened progressively and seems to have become blunt in the Nigerian society.
He therefore called for the active engagement of civil society organizations and other stakeholders in supporting the media’s efforts.
“Addressing corruption requires a united front where the media, civil society, public relations professionals, and government work hand in hand,” he remarked.
He urged journalists to remain ethical and objective, noting that trust between the media and the public is vital in the fight against corruption and called on journalists to embrace a new approach in their reportage on corruption.
He highlighted the importance of shaping narratives that expose corrupt practices and encourage prevention, urging the media to present corruption as a societal ill that can be cured through collective effort and early intervention.
Dr Naliaku urged journalists to tell stories that inspire action, engage the public in the fight against corruption, and work with agencies like the ICPC to bring about long-term change just as he urged the ICPC chairman to consider adopting a fresh approach to the fight against corruption.
He recommended rebuilding public trust by involving citizens in the discourse and creating awareness campaigns that educate the masses on the dangers of corruption.
He noted that popularising anti-corruption measures and promoting prevention over punitive action would help shift the national mindset towards tackling the root causes of the problem.
“The fight against corruption is not just about punishment. It is about prevention. Journalists are responsible for educating the public, providing clarity on the issues, and helping rebuild trust in institutions,” Dr Naliaku stated, and suggested a unified effort to eradicate corruption from the country.
Also, the Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima, urged the media to expose corruption and highlight positive stories and individuals driving change in Nigeria’s fight against graft.
He said: “The media plays an instrumental role in shaping perceptions and narratives. It is crucial to expose corruption, but it is equally important to promote individuals and institutions that are making positive contributions to the country’s development.
“When the public sees positive examples, it not only strengthens trust in institutions but also encourages more people to engage in ethical practices.”
In a goodwill message, Senator Emmanuel M. Udende, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes, represented by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, praised the ICPC for its efforts in both corruption prevention and enforcement.
Senator Udende, while urging the media to amplify calls for transparency and accountability in governance, noted that the press serves as a powerful agenda-setter.
“The theme of this event is timely. The press wields significant power through its pens, microphones, and cameras, shaping narratives, exposing corruption, and driving social change,” Senator Udende observed.
Dr. Kole Shettima, Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, highlighted the role of investigative journalism in exposing corruption while also celebrating those advancing transparency and accountability. He stressed the importance of balancing coverage by promoting stories that inspire positive change.
His words: “When the public sees positive examples, it not only strengthens trust in institutions but also encourages more people to engage in ethical practice, the media plays an instrumental role in shaping perceptions and narratives. It is crucial to expose corruption, but it is equally important to promote individuals and institutions that are making positive contributions to the country’s development.”
A joint communique signed by ICPC Chairman, Dr. Adamu-Aliyu, and NUJ President, Christopher Isiguzo, emphasised the critical role of journalists in combating corruption and the need for their protection.
The stakeholders underscored the fact that journalists, as members of the Fourth Estate, are indispensable in the fight against corruption, which they described as challenging and risky.
“A whistleblower protection law would mitigate the risks journalists face in the line of duty,” they stated, stressing that the safety and security of journalists and citizens who expose corruption must be prioritised.
They further noted that corruption hampers economic development, exacerbates poverty, and is perpetuated by weak national institutions. Journalists, in their view, are key players in exposing these systemic issues and mobilizing public support against corruption.
The communique urged media organisations to go beyond merely publishing reports on corrupt individuals by also celebrating stories of integrity and good governance. It encouraged the media to fully utilize the Freedom of Information Act and the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government financial autonomy to work alongside the ICPC in ensuring corruption-free local government areas (LGAs).
Additionally, media houses were advised to refrain from placing undue pressure on journalists who are investigating significant corruption cases. The stakeholders cautioned against forcing reporters to abandon such stories in the national interest.
The communique also called for a thorough investigation into Nigeria’s pension system, urging the ICPC to address concerns about pension mismanagement and alleviate workers’ fears of an uncertain future post-retirement. By ensuring the pension system operates transparently, workers may be less inclined to engage in corrupt practices during their service years.
A crucial point was raised regarding the role of the media in combating fake news, particularly online misinformation. The NUJ, online publishers, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors were called upon to monitor and counter the activities of fake news purveyors. The ICPC was also urged to collaborate with rural-based radio stations to promote ethical reorientation, especially in underserved communities.
Lastly, the communique advocated better wages for journalists, stating that improved compensation would reduce the temptation of financial inducements and encourage investigative journalism. Fair pay, they argued, would embolden journalists to take on the risks involved in exposing corruption.
Altogether, it was a most timely opportunity for journalists to participate with other critical stakeholders in the exploration of the challenges they face in the epic confrontation with Nigeria’s biggest burden: corruption.
