As part of efforts aimed at strengthening ties to win the anti-corruption war, members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recently held a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja. The forum aimed at deepening journalists’ insights on anti-corruption governance in the country.

Themed, ‘Reinvigorating the national anti-corruption strategy (2022–2026): A post-assessment roadmap for the fourth estate,’ NUJ President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, observed corruption remains formidable barrier to development, systematically weakening institutions and eroding public trust that holds the nation together.

Saying the partnership between ICPC and NUJ is both natural and strategic, he added the media occupies a unique vantage point, serving not only as a primary source of information but as a catalyst for accountability.

To him, the mandate aligns perfectly with the work of the ICPC, which sits at the heart of the anti-corruption efforts through its dedicated focus on enforcement, prevention and public enlightenment.

Speaking in a similar vein, ICPC Chairman Musa Adamu Aliyu, described the media as a cornerstone of the anti-corruption framework, highlighting the critical roles journalists play as watchdogs, agenda‑setters, and catalysts for institutional reform.

He cautioned that without a vibrant, responsible, and ethical press, the fight against corruption risks losing one of its most formidable pillars and urged media practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness, and professionalism as a means of sustaining public trust.

He further disclosed that ICPC has recorded significant anti-corruption wins—including the recovery of over N37.44 billion recovered in 2025, underscoring the need for sustained collaboration to consolidate progress and reinvigorate Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.

In his keynote address, Prof. of Media History, Umaru Pate, observed corruption survives in darkness, but journalism brings light.

He underscored the media’s indispensable role in reinforcing Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture, noting corruption is an economic, governance, and moral challenge that continues to hinder national development.

He identified challenges to the effective implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) (2022–2026), including weak inter-agency coordination, low public awareness, inadequate media engagement, political interference, and judicial delays.

To him, corruption cannot be tackled through prosecution alone; rather, it demands preventive systems, transparency, and active citizen participation.

He proposed a roadmap for journalists, urging them to embrace data-driven reporting, strengthen collaboration with anti-corruption agencies, uphold ethical standards, promote civic education, and advocate for the protection and safety of journalists.

He also canvassed scrutiny of public procurement, budget implementation, asset declarations, and election financing.

There were goodwill messages from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Emmanuel Udende—represented by the Clerk of the Committee, Emenike Uboh; Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, National Broadcasting Commission, Nigerian Television Authority among others.

A communique signed by the ICPC Chairman and NUJ President was released shortly after the workshop. The following resolutions were recommended, that anti-corruption agencies should establish institutional synergy with the media and civil societies through a dedicated ‘Media Desk’ to provide real time, non classified data for journalists, fostering a culture of transparency and evidenced-based reporting; media are not just observers in the anti-corruption crusade, but catalyst of reform and should be provided with legal protection and incentives; specialised professional training/ capacity building programmes should be organised to equip journalists with skills to interpret the National Anti Corruption Strategy (NACS) pillars specifically focusing on Public Financial Management and ethics/ integrity compliance.

Other recommendations include, the media should commit to preventive advocacy with a view to shifting the narrative from ‘Prosecution Only’ to ‘Preventive-First’ by highlighting successful institutional reforms and exposing vulnerable in public procurement processes before breaches occur; effective legislative support via expedited passage of enhanced Whistleblower Protection legislation to safeguard the media’s sources and professional integrity; a tripartite monitoring committee, comprising the government, media, the civil society organisations should be formed towards sustainability of the strategy with a view to conducting quarterly reviews of the NACS roadmap progress leading up to 2026; that for the NACS to succeed, the media must investigate fearlessly, report responsibly, educate citizens and hold power accountable.

In conclusion, the participants reaffirm commitment to the success of the NACS emphasising that a re invigorated fourth estate is a necessary partner in the delivery of a corruption free society.