The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is the apex body saddled by law with the responsibility to fight corruption and other related offences in Nigeria. It was set up and empowered by the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.ICPC was inaugurated on the 29th of September 2000 with a Chairman and 12 Members. Section 3(14) of the Act ensures the independence of the Commission as not being subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.
BACKGROUND
Nigeria has been stigmatized by the international community as the second most corrupt country in the world. For three consecutive-years, 2000. 2001 and 2002, it has maintained that unenviable position. The rating came up as a consequence of several failed attempts in the past to wipe out corruption or reduce it to a tolerable level in the polity. From the Jaji Declaration in 1977 by Olusegun Obasanjo; the
Ethical Revolution of Shagari in 1981 - 1983; War Against Indiscipline by Buhari in 1984; National Orientation Movement by Babangida in 1986; Mass Mobilization for Social Justice by Babangida in 1987; War Against Indiscipline and Corruption in 1996 by Abacha; to the Anti- Corruption Act 2000 again by President Olusegun Obasanjo, this is the first time in the series of several efforts to fight corruption that the attempt has the force of law with severe sanctions.
Mandate
To prohibit and prescribe punishment for corrupt practices and other related offences.
Mission
To rid Nigeria of all forms of corrupt practices and other related offences.
Vision
To restore Nigeria to the enviable standard of respectability and dignity within the comity of Nations.
Functions
Section 6 of the Act confers 3 main responsibilities on the ICPC. They are:
To receive and investigate reports of the conspiracy to commit, attempt to commit or actual commission of offences as created by the