Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has urged global business leaders to embrace corporate integrity as a critical investment in sustainable growth, competitiveness, and long-term success.
Dr. Aliyu made this call while addressing participants at the World Anti-Corruption Conference (WACC) 2025, held at Rhodes House, Oxford, United Kingdom. Delivering a paper titled “Corporate Integrity in a Global Marketplace: Compliance, Challenges and Strategies – The Nigerian Experience,” he emphasized that honesty and ethical leadership remain the cornerstones of sustainable business practices in today’s interconnected global economy.
He noted that globalization, while fostering innovation and expanding trade opportunities, has also increased exposure to corruption risks and compliance challenges across diverse jurisdictions. “Fighting corruption is not just about having laws; it is about building a culture of honesty. When leaders act with integrity, the rest of the organization will follow,” Dr. Aliyu stated. “Integrity must be demonstrated from the top and reinforced by systems that reward ethical behaviour.”
Drawing from Nigeria’s corporate experience, the ICPC Chairman highlighted challenges such as inconsistent international legal frameworks, facilitation fee pressures, and weak internal controls that undermine corporate accountability. He stressed the importance of strong leadership, effective compliance mechanisms, and board-level responsibility in tackling these issues.
Dr. Aliyu also underscored the value of whistleblower protection, continuous ethics training, and integrating ethical conduct into employee performance evaluations. He encouraged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to view integrity as a driver of trust and business resilience rather than a regulatory burden. “A company that conducts its business honestly earns public respect, attracts investors, and becomes more resilient. Integrity is not a cost — it is an investment,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing efforts in Nigeria, Dr. Aliyu explained that the ICPC continues to strengthen its enforcement and preventive strategies through the prosecution of offenders, systemic reviews, and public education aimed at promoting transparency in governance and private enterprise.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with international partners, regulators, and private sector players to advance ethical standards across borders. “We are building a future where honesty is the norm in business, not the exception. This requires strong leadership, collaboration, and consistency,” he concluded.
The World Anti-Corruption Conference 2025, themed “United for Integrity: Innovation, Collaboration, and Accountability in the Fight Against Corruption,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from around the world to explore innovative strategies for strengthening global business integrity and accountability.
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