Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has declared that responsible data handling is central to the Commission's anti-corruption mandate, stressing that public trust depends not only on the agency's ability to investigate and prosecute corruption cases but also on its commitment to safeguarding personal information. Aliyu made the remarks on Thursday, July 23, 2026, while declaring open a one-day sensitisation and awareness programme on data protection and privacy for ICPC officers and staff at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja. Represented by the Director of the Legal Services Department, Henry Emore, the ICPC chairman noted that the Commission routinely receives, processes, analyses, stores and shares large volumes of sensitive information relating to petitioners, suspects, witnesses, complainants, employees, contractors, consultants and members of the public.
Aliyu emphasised that every personal record in the Commission's custody represents an individual's dignity, privacy and trust, making lawful, responsible and secure handling of such information imperative. He observed that while data has become a critical asset in modern governance, improving decision-making, investigations and public service delivery, its misuse could expose individuals to harm, compromise investigations, erode public confidence and damage institutional credibility. He added that data protection is no longer the sole responsibility of ICT professionals or legal practitioners but an essential component of good governance, transparency, accountability and institutional integrity.
The ICPC Boss urged all officers of the Commission to uphold integrity in the collection, use, disclosure, storage and disposal of personal information, stressing that accountability, fairness, confidentiality and respect for individual rights must guide every stage of the Commission's operations. Aliyu also revealed that the ICPC has strengthened its internal data protection framework through the establishment of the Data Protection and Incident Response Team (DPIRT), tasked with identifying compliance gaps, improving internal processes, enhancing incident response mechanisms and promoting privacy awareness across the Commission.
The sensitisation programme, which brought together officers and staff of the Commission, was designed to deepen understanding of data protection principles and equip participants with the skills needed to handle personal information responsibly in the course of their duties. The ICPC Chairman reiterated that the Commission remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and accountability in the discharge of its anti-corruption mandate, adding that data protection and privacy are fundamental to maintaining public trust and confidence in the agency. The event marked a significant step in the Commission's ongoing efforts to strengthen its internal data protection framework and ensure that the handling of personal information aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and other applicable regulations.
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