Since its establishment, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has had many leaders who played their roles individually in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Each of them has their own share of strategy and policies, which affected the growth of the commission positively or negatively over the years.
The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 (Act 2000) introduced a fresh and decisive viewpoint to the fight against corruption, taking a holistic approach comprising enforcement, preventative, and educational initiatives.
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All ICPC Chairman from 2000-Present
| No | Director-General | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justice Mustapha Akanbi | 2000 – 2005 |
| 2 | Justice Emmanuel Ayoola | 2005 – 2012 |
| 3 | Mr. Ekpo Nta | 2012 – 2018 |
| 4 | Professor Bolaji Owasanoye | 2019 – 2023 |
| 5 | Mr. Aliyu Abubakar | 2023 – Present |
The Pioneer Chairman of the ICPC: Justice Mustapha Akanbi (2000 – 2005)
Justice Mustapha Akanbi, a retired judge, was the first chairman of ICPC, who was tasked with overseeing the commission’s formation and designing its basic structure.
His tenure was mostly concerned with implementing anti-corruption operating rules and public education campaigns.
Akanbi’s initiatives also connected them to other constituencies, which added value to government integrity and transparency. His insistence on accountability established the conditions necessary for the commission’s operations.
One of the fundamental components of Akanbi’s plan was promoting public education and rationale changes towards corruption.
He was aware that the struggle against corruption could not have a healthy development without an evolution of social consciousness and public opinions, where citizens would not consider corruption a practice but a vice that erodes the country.
Akanbi started ample awareness programs, encompassing the engagement of some NGOs, educational institutions, and the media.
These programs aimed to enlighten the citizens of Nigeria on the ills of corruption and solicit their engagement in the fight by reporting incidences of corruption.
His campaigns aimed at inspiring the citizenry on the values of accountability and transparency also rallied the citizens towards the commission’s cause. Even though challenges abounded, Murtala’s leadership provided considerable facilities to benefit future leaders.
Present Chairman of ICPC: Mr. Aliyu Abubakar (2023 – Up to Date).
Mr Aliyu Abubakar, a pragmatic, learned lawyer, took a share of responsibility in the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following the footsteps of the immediate past chairperson, Professor Bolaji Owasanoye.
His appointment as Acting Chairman ushers in the fresh impetus of zeal towards liberation in the fight against corruption.
Aliyu is a lawyer who is versed in Nigerian law and Sharia law. He graduated from Bayero University, Kano, in 2003 with a law degree and made it to the Nigerian Bar in 2004.
He also attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2011, where he was conferred with a Master’s in Islamic Law. Returning to academics, Aliyu sought a higher degree and PhD in 2019 from a Malaysian university.
Mr. Aliyu is responsible for ensuring the continuity of the war against corruption after Professor Owasanoye. His predecessor left a remarkable legacy of progressive counter-corruption reforms, higher conviction rates, and a more informed society.
In this sense, Aliyu’s extensive professional qualifications, particularly in constitutional law, as well as his experience in the Nigerian judicial system, place him in the most advantageous position to deepen these reforms.
