ICPC Pledges Transparency, Periodic Publication of Recovered Assets

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has declared its commitment to periodically publishing recovered assets during a media briefing in Abuja, ahead of the General Assembly of the African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum (AARPF). This assurance comes as 52 African countries converge in the Nigerian capital for the event.

ICPC Director, Special Services, Mohammed Hassan, stated that the commission will ensure transparency by making all recovered assets and their owners publicly known. He emphasized that the purpose of asset recovery is not just to seize funds, but to utilize them for the benefit of the general population. Hassan dismissed concerns that practitioners may shy away from public scrutiny, asserting that asset recovery is now a crucial aspect of the global fight against corruption.

He noted that some countries recover assets without public disclosure, making comparisons challenging. During the assembly, delegates will have opportunities to observe Nigeria's asset recovery efforts firsthand. Concerns about foreign countries' reluctance to cooperate were addressed, with Hassan indicating that these matters would be better tackled by the African Union and the local organising committee when the forum commences.

The purpose of the AARPF program is to harmonize anti-corruption efforts across Africa, particularly as asset recovery becomes an integral part of anti-corruption strategies worldwide.