Proper data handling key to fighting corruption, says ICPC chair

Musa Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has underscored the critical link between responsible data handling and the fight against corruption. He asserted that public trust in the Commission hinges not only on its ability to investigate and prosecute corruption but also on its capacity to safeguard personal information.

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Every personal record in the Commission’s custody represents an individual’s dignity, privacy and trust, making it imperative for officers to ensure that such information is handled lawfully, responsibly and securely.

Aliyu made these remarks at a sensitization program on data protection and privacy for ICPC officers and staff. The event, themed "Responsible Data Handling: Strengthening Accountability and Preserving Public Trust through Data Protection," aimed to enhance awareness and foster a culture of accountability within the Commission. He noted that the ICPC manages vast amounts of information related to petitioners, suspects, witnesses, employees, and the public.

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He explained that while data has become one of the most valuable assets in modern governance, enhancing decision-making, service delivery and investigations, its mishandling could expose individuals to harm, compromise investigations, undermine public confidence and damage institutional reputation.

Represented by Mr. Henry Emore, Director of Legal Services, Aliyu explained that every personal record held by the Commission represents an individual's dignity, privacy, and trust. Therefore, he stressed the imperative for officers to handle such information lawfully, responsibly, and securely. He cautioned that while data is a valuable asset for modern governance, its mishandling can lead to individual harm, compromised investigations, and damaged institutional reputation.

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The ICPC Chairman further stated that data protection is no longer the exclusive responsibility of ICT professionals or legal practitioners but has become an essential element of good governance, transparency, accountability and institutional integrity

Aliyu concluded by stating that data protection is no longer solely the domain of IT professionals or legal experts. Instead, it has become a fundamental component of good governance, transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity. He urged all officers to demonstrate integrity in collecting, accessing, using, disclosing, storing, and disposing of personal information, ensuring that accountability, fairness, confidentiality, and respect for individual rights guide all Commission operations.

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demonstrate integrity in the collection, access, use, disclosure, storage and disposal of personal information, noting that the principles of accountability, fairness, confidentiality and respect for individual rights must guide every aspect of the Commission’s operations.