The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, on Thursday, sealed a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association Anti-Corruption Committee to deepen the fight against corruption and reinforce ethical standards within Nigeria’s legal profession.
The collaboration was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, signalling a renewed commitment by both institutions to uphold integrity, accountability and the rule of law.
A second MoU was also signed between the NBA-ACC and the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, the ICPC’s training and research arm, aimed at strengthening institutional and human capacity through education, research and professional development.
Speaking at the ceremony, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, described the partnership as a deliberate response to the urgent need for collective action against corruption.
“Corruption thrives where institutions work in isolation; integrity flourishes where partnerships are forged,” Aliyu said, noting that the agreement represents a strategic alliance anchored on shared values of professionalism, accountability and service to the Nigerian public.
He explained that the MoU provides a framework for harmonising enforcement with prevention, capacity building, public enlightenment and ethical re-orientation, stressing that the synergy between the ICPC and the NBA is critical to strengthening the justice system and restoring public confidence in governance.
Aliyu also highlighted the role of ACAN, describing education and skills development as essential to producing a new generation of legal practitioners for whom integrity is non-negotiable.
On his part, Chairman of the NBA Anti-Corruption Committee, Professor Babafemi A. Badejo, said the agreements marked a decisive step towards building stronger institutions and entrenching professional integrity.
According to him, the MoU with the ICPC will drive collaboration in promoting ethical conduct within the legal profession, enhancing capacity, raising public awareness and advocating policy reforms, while the ACAN partnership will focus on structured anti-corruption training, joint research and specialised certification programmes.
Both organisations expressed confidence that the collaboration would deliver measurable progress in promoting transparency, strengthening the rule of law and advancing accountability across Nigeria’s legal and governance systems.
