The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has told Nigerians not to blame the political elites alone for corruption but the public should take a critical look at themselves.

ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, gave this piece of advice in Calabar
on Wednesday during a two-day retreat for the board and management staff of the commission.

According to Aliyu, the issue of corruption in Nigeria was societal, adding that the problem has always been perpetuated both at the top and bottom levels of the society.

“We keep on having this problem in Nigeria because once corruption is less risky and largely beneficial, it will continue to happen,” he said.

“If the people know that once they are caught, they will be punished, it will discourage them from engaging in corruption like it is practiced in nations like China.”

The ICPC chairman said that since the political elites were at the helm of affairs, the public has always seen them to be more corrupt.

Aliyu, however, stated that there has been no political interference in the commission’s fight against corruption , which had enabled them make major recoveries.

“The commission achieved a lot in 2024, which included membership in major global organisations to trace and recover the nation’s stolen assets,” he said.

Aliyu also said that in 2025, the commission commenced the Local Government Corruption Prevention Programme.