The public officers have been strongly warned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against using the management of Coronavirus disease as an avenue to embezzle public funds. The commission cautioned public officers against inflating and padding the cost of items being procured under emergencies and stressed that COVID-19 should not be an excuse for corruption in any sector of the economy.
ICPC issued this warning in a statement released on March 31st, emphasizing that emergency response is not immune to corruption risks, especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The advisory specifically highlighted the corruption vulnerabilities in COVID-19 management and response, urging compliance with laid-down procedures, due diligence, and financial control regulations. It also warned against engaging in conflict of interest, nepotism, padding, inflated costs, and other risky behaviors in the name of emergency response.
The commission commended the efforts of those involved in responding to the pandemic while also reminding the public of the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding corruption pitfalls. The statement served as an opportunity for reflection and a warning to all Nigerians at national and sub-national levels to uphold integrity in their response to the crisis and in the implementation of government policies.
ICPC emphasized that the noble intention of the government to alleviate the citizens’ suffering during these challenging times should not be tainted by corruption. It urged the public to keep a safe distance from corruption and emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and avoiding risky behavior in the implementation of emergency responses and government policies.