Curbing Corruption In Public Service: ICPC Advocates Digitalization Tool
Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr. M.A. Wala, representative of the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN addressing participants at the 2-day sensitization campaign program held at the NIS office, Makurdi, Tuesday
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reiterated the urgent need for increased digitalization as a critical measure to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. Speaking during a two-day nationwide sensitization campaign on “Ensuring Efficient Service Delivery Through Zero Tolerance for Corruption” at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office in Makurdi, Benue State, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr. M.A. Wala, emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to strengthen governance and mitigate corruption risks. The event, themed “Increased Digitalization and Consolidated Innovations for Efficient and Transparent Services,” provided a platform for engagement with key stakeholders on the role of digital reforms in improving service delivery.
Wala highlighted critical areas within the NIS that require urgent digital transformation to curb fraudulent practices. “The digital age has given us tools to eliminate corruption, yet gaps remain where criminals exploit inefficiencies,” he stated. He pointed to persistent cases of recruitment fraud, where cybercriminals manipulate vulnerabilities in the NIS recruitment portal to defraud unsuspecting job seekers. “A single loophole in a recruitment process can cost innocent applicants their hard-earned money and dreams. We must close these gaps with robust digital security and transparency measures,” he added.
Citing recent convictions, including that of Dabiet Onyemi Gilbert, sentenced to one year in prison for an N800,000 job scam, and Abubakar Mohammed Aseku, who fraudulently received salaries from multiple government agencies while officially employed by the NIS, Wala called for enhanced cybersecurity measures and stricter oversight of recruitment processes to eliminate such abuses. “It is unacceptable that a single individual can receive salaries from three different government agencies without detection. With the right digital infrastructure, this would have been flagged immediately,” he said.
The Commissioner also expressed concerns over corrupt practices in port operations, stressing that unethical activities in cargo and ship clearance undermine Nigeria’s business environment. “Ports are the gateways to economic growth, yet corruption at these entry points weakens our credibility as a nation. We must ensure full compliance with the NIS Standard Operating Procedure and the Nigerian Port Process Manual,” he urged. Advocating for the digitization of complaint-handling mechanisms and improved whistleblower protection, he emphasized that “a transparent, automated system will give voice to whistleblowers without fear of victimization.”
Addressing irregularities in passport processing, Wala noted that some officials continue to exploit applicants by citing network failures and power outages as excuses for undue delays. “Delays in passport processing are not always technical; sometimes, they are deliberately orchestrated to frustrate citizens into paying illegal fees,” he revealed. He referenced the case of Quadri Ismail Adeyinka, sentenced to seven years in prison for passport-related fraud, and proposed the introduction of a structured administrative charge to streamline passport services and enhance staff welfare. “When processes are clear, fair, and digitally monitored, corruption has no place to thrive,” he added.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to promoting digital solutions in public service delivery, Wala called on the NIS to intensify efforts in strengthening public complaint resolution systems, enhancing performance management, and reinforcing cybersecurity frameworks. “Public confidence in our institutions depends on efficiency and integrity. If citizens experience fairness and speed in service delivery, they will have no reason to resort to bribery or shortcuts,” he stated.
In response, the NIS Benue State Comptroller, Andrew Akpor Wannogho, Esq., outlined several ongoing digital initiatives aimed at improving transparency and efficiency. “Our Online Passport Application and Payment System has reduced processing time and minimized human interference, ensuring a more seamless experience for applicants,” he said. He further highlighted the success of biometric verification and e-passports, which incorporate microchips for enhanced identity verification at border control points. “With these innovations, we are closing the door on identity fraud and document forgery,” he emphasized.
He also discussed the digital visa application system, which facilitates online applications, reducing in-person visits and bureaucratic delays. “Applying for a visa should not be a nightmare. With this system, applicants can complete the process from anywhere in the world, making it more accessible and transparent,” he noted. Addressing concerns about border security, he revealed that “the deployment of AI-powered surveillance systems and biometric scanners has significantly improved our ability to detect and prevent illegal cross-border movements.”
Despite these advancements, weak digital infrastructure remains a significant challenge. Participants at the event, including DSP Abaa Jacob of the Benue State Police Command, and Dr. Theresa Oto of Benue State University, highlighted poor internet connectivity and frequent power outages as key obstacles to digital transformation in public service delivery. “Without stable internet and electricity, even the best digital initiatives will struggle to succeed,” Dr. Oto remarked, calling for the expansion of nationwide broadband access and the adoption of solar-powered digital hubs at passport offices and border control stations.
Recognizing the positive impact of digitalization on governance and service delivery, Wala emphasized the need for continuous public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the benefits of digital reforms and discourage reliance on third-party intermediaries. “The public must understand that they do not need to pay middlemen for services that are meant to be automated and direct,” he stated. He further stressed that the introduction of digital case management systems will enhance accountability by ensuring that misconduct cases are properly documented and resolved transparently. “Every complaint must leave a digital footprint, making it impossible to manipulate or conceal evidence of wrongdoing,” he added.
Dr. Oto highlighted the broader implications of digitalization on education and employment, particularly for students and professionals seeking international opportunities. “A centralized student record database would make verification of academic credentials seamless, saving Nigerians from unnecessary delays and fraudulent verification schemes,” she suggested.
Speaking on behalf of Service Compact with All Nigerians (SERVICOM), Benue State Command, Josephine A. Idoko underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in digital governance, noting that while the NIS has made commendable progress in automation, other security and public service agencies must adopt similar reforms. “Digital transformation should not be an isolated effort; all government agencies must embrace it as a collective goal,” she stated. She also called on policymakers to ensure that existing regulations align with technological advancements to support full implementation and sustainability. “A law that does not accommodate digital reforms will eventually hinder progress. We must align policies with the digital age,” she added.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward digital transformation, the ICPC stresses the need for sustained investment, inter-agency collaboration, and strategic public-private partnerships to ensure the success of digital governance initiatives. “We cannot afford to lag behind in a world driven by technology. The fight against corruption and inefficiency must be won through innovative solutions,” Wala concluded. The Commission remains committed to fostering transparency and accountability through digital reforms and will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that technology-driven solutions effectively combat corruption, enhance service delivery, and set a benchmark for governance excellence in Nigeria.
