The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has formalised a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association Anti-Corruption Committee (NBA-ACC) in a decisive move to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and uphold ethical standards within the legal profession.
Disclosing this in a statement, the Spokesperson for the Commission, J. Okor Odey, said the partnership was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja, signalling a renewed commitment to collaborative action against corruption and the reinforcement of the rule of law.
The ceremony also featured the signing of a second MoU between the NBA-ACC and the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the research and training arm of the ICPC, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and human capital development in anti-corruption practice.
In his welcome address, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, described the partnership as a deliberate and strategic response to the urgent need for synergy among institutions fighting corruption. He noted that corruption thrives where institutions operate in isolation, stressing that integrity flourishes through collaboration.
“This alliance is rooted in our shared commitment to the supremacy of the rule of law, professional ethics, accountability and service to the Nigerian people,” Dr. Aliyu said. He explained that the MoU provides a structured framework for aligning enforcement efforts with preventive strategies, capacity building, public enlightenment and ethical re-orientation to deliver sustainable outcomes.
The ICPC Chairman highlighted the natural synergy between the NBA, as the custodian of legal professionalism, and the ICPC, as a statutory anti-corruption agency, noting that their combined efforts are critical to strengthening the justice system and restoring public confidence in governance.
He further underscored the role of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, describing education, research and skills development as essential pillars for long-term success in the fight against corruption.
According to him, the tripartite collaboration will help nurture a new generation of legal practitioners for whom integrity is a core professional value.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NBA Anti-Corruption Committee, Professor Babafemi A. Badejo, described the MoU signings as a significant milestone in the collective effort to build strong institutions anchored on integrity and accountability.
Professor Badejo said the agreement with the ICPC establishes a robust framework for promoting ethical conduct within the legal profession, enhancing capacity, raising public awareness and advocating sound policy reforms. He added that the complementary MoU with ACAN would deepen the partnership through education, training and research initiatives.
According to him, the collaboration will support the development of structured anti-corruption curricula, joint research projects and specialised certification programmes for lawyers and allied professionals.
Both the ICPC and the NBA Anti-Corruption Committee expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver measurable gains in promoting integrity, strengthening the rule of law and advancing transparency and accountability within the legal profession and Nigeria’s broader governance system.
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