The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has assured the Nigerian public that it will regularly release information regarding recovered assets, including their status and ownership. This commitment was made during a media briefing in Abuja as the country prepares to host the General Assembly of the African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum (AARPF), organized under the African Union.
During the briefing, Mohammed Hassan, Director of Special Services at the ICPC, emphasized that transparency is essential in the asset recovery process. He stated that all recovered assets will be publicly declared, asserting that such information should be accessible to citizens. He noted, “Anything recovered is for the public” and confirmed that the commission’s reports on asset recovery will be treated as public documents.
Hassan also addressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of Nigeria’s asset recovery efforts compared to other African nations. He mentioned that while some countries may recover assets without publicly disclosing the details, such comparisons can be challenging. He invited delegates at the AARPF assembly to observe how Nigeria utilizes its recovered assets, reinforcing the notion that asset recovery is increasingly recognized as a vital component in the global fight against corruption.
The forthcoming assembly is expected to draw attendance from 52 to 54 countries, aiming to unify efforts and strategies against corruption across the continent. Hassan highlighted the need for collaboration among nations to enhance their respective asset recovery processes and ensure that recovered assets benefit the broader population.
