ICPC, NUJ, and MacArthur Foundation Call for Media Support in Anti-Corruption Fight
By Anas Ado Saeed
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and with the support of the MacArthur Foundation, held a one-day workshop aimed at strengthening the role of the media in the fight against corruption. Themed “The Power of the Pen in the Fight Against Corruption,” the workshop brought together journalists, ICPC officials, government representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to explore the media’s influence in promoting transparency and good governance.
In his address to the participants, the NUJ President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, emphasized the critical role journalists play in combating corruption. He noted that corruption is one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges, undermining development and deepening inequality. According to him, journalists serve as the eyes and ears of society, uncovering and reporting corrupt practices that threaten the nation’s progress.
“Corruption remains one of the greatest impediments to Nigeria’s progress. It undermines development, widens inequality, and perpetuates a cycle of poverty and instability,” Isiguzo said. “As journalists, we hold the power to shine a light on these injustices, to expose the truth, and to advocate for the transparency and accountability that are the bedrock of any functioning democracy.”
Isiguzo highlighted several key roles that journalists must play in the fight against corruption, including exposing corruption through investigative journalism, raising public awareness, and fostering a culture of transparency. He also stressed the importance of collaboration between the media and anti-corruption agencies like the ICPC to ensure that investigative reports lead to real change.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, in his goodwill message, called on the media to intensify efforts to expose corrupt practices and create public awareness of corruption’s detrimental effects. “The media is a key ally in our fight against corruption. Without the work of investigative journalists, much of the corruption we see today would remain hidden,” Dr. Aliyu said. He also urged journalists to ensure accuracy and professionalism in their reporting while assuring them of the ICPC’s commitment to supporting the media in this fight.
Dr. Kole Shettima, Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, echoed the need for media collaboration, urging journalists not only to expose corruption but also to highlight positive stories of individuals and institutions driving transparency and accountability. “It is crucial to expose corruption, but it is equally important to promote individuals and institutions that are making positive contributions to the country’s development,” Dr. Shettima noted.
The workshop also saw participation from key stakeholders including representatives from the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and Voice of Nigeria (VON), among others.
As the event concluded, journalists were encouraged to take full advantage of the workshop and engage meaningfully with sessions on investigative journalism, ethical standards, and data journalism.
The event underscored the vital role of the media in driving social change and holding leaders accountable in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption.