The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, has revealed alarming statistics regarding the prevalence of bribery in Nigeria.

According to Dr Aliyu, the country recorded an estimated 87 million bribery cases last year, amounting to a staggering N700 billion.

Aliyu, while delivering a keynote address at the ongoing International Law Conference organised by the Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, stated that the frequency of bribes was notably higher in rural areas compared to urban regions.

He condemned corruption as the most formidable barrier to Nigeria’s development, emphasizing that it not only erodes public trust in institutions but also undermines the rule of law and hampers economic progress.

At the ongoing International Law Conference hosted by the Faculty of Law at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) addressed the topic “Law and Contemporary Societal Issues: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities.”

He emphasized that corruption is not only a legal concern but also a pressing social issue that requires a holistic and enduring strategy.

According to a recent survey by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS), corruption was identified as the fourth most critical issue facing the country in 2023, following cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment.

Aliyu highlighted progress in combating corruption, noting that the proportion of citizens reporting bribe payments to authorities had risen from 3.6% in 2019 to 8.6% in 2023.

He said this increase reflects a growing awareness and commitment among Nigerians to address corruption.

He also pointed out that abuse of office remains a prevalent form of corruption in various sectors of the public service.

However, he addressed the issue of sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, citing studies that show high rates of harassment among female students.

Referring to a 2018 World Bank survey, Aliyu stated that about 70% of female graduates from Nigerian institutions reported experiencing sexual harassment from either classmates or instructors.