Social Studies
Agencies Of Corruption Prevention In Nigeria And Their Roles In Fighting Corruption
The agencies of government charged with the prevention of corruption in Nigeria are; (ICPC); Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission; (EFCC) Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; The Code of Conduct Bureau, (WAIC) War Against Indiscipline and Corruption and the Public Complaints Commission.
1. ICPC
The ICPC fights corruption and other related offences. They include, Advance fee fraud (obtaining money by false pretences, AKA, 419), receiving or giving bribe or gratification, fraudulent acquisition of wealth, making false or misleading statements, other related offences. The ICPC investigate reports of corruption, and prosecutes offenders appropriately. The ICPC also conducts awareness campaigns on the evils of corruption, to the public and institutions of government.
2. The EFCC
The EFCC ensures compliance of citizens to all financial laws and regulations. It therefore investigates all cases of financial misappropriation and crimes against the state; It deals with all matters relating to economic and financial crimes such as abuse of office, embezzlement or mismanagement of public funds, money laundering, bank fraud, oil bunkering (oil theft) and other actions that violate financial and economic laws and regulations of the state.
3. The Code of Conduct Bureau is charged with the responsibility of enforcing proper ways of conducting business in public and private sectors to check corruption and indiscipline in public life. It guards against fraudulent enrichment by public officials, including elected officials and political appointees. The bureau keeps records of assets declared by such officials at the beginning and at the end of their tenure. This is to detect corrupt enrichment by such officials.
3. The WAIC Brigade is involved in the fight against indiscipline and corruption which it reports to appropriate agencies.
4. The Public Complaints Commission is charged with the responsibility of hearing public complaints and petitions against the misuse of power, maltreatment of citizens by those in authority. It also investigates cases of favouritism, nepotism and abuse of public office by government officials in the conduct of public affairs.