Stakeholders in Nigeria’s anti-corruption space have called for stronger collaboration between the media, civil society, and government institutions to enhance the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2022–2026.
This was the outcome of a one-day workshop themed “Reinvigorating the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2022–2026: A Post-Assessment Roadmap for the Fourth Estate,” which brought together representatives of anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, and leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists from across the federation and the FCT.
The workshop focused on assessing progress at the midpoint of the NACS and developing a strategic framework to strengthen the role of the media as a watchdog in preventing corruption.
Participants noted that corruption cannot be tackled solely through prosecution, but requires systemic reforms, ethical conduct, and transparency across institutions and society.
They acknowledged that while the NACS provides a robust framework for combating corruption through preventive measures, its impact has been weakened by gaps in coordination among agencies, low public awareness, limited media engagement, political interference, and slow judicial processes.
The workshop further observed that the media, often described as the Fourth Estate, remains underutilised in the prevention pillar of the strategy, with a tendency to focus more on reporting arrests rather than exposing systemic loopholes.
Participants also highlighted the untapped potential of digital forensic tools and artificial intelligence in advancing investigative journalism, stressing that these innovations are yet to be fully integrated into anti-corruption efforts.
Additionally, the need for institutional protection and incentives for whistleblowers and investigative journalists was described as urgent to ensure sustained accountability.
The workshop resolved that anti-corruption agencies should establish dedicated “media desks” to improve real-time access to non-classified information for journalists, thereby promoting transparency and evidence-based reporting.
It also emphasised that the media should be recognised not just as observers but as active drivers of reform, deserving of legal protection and institutional support.
Participants recommended the introduction of specialised training programmes to equip journalists with the skills to better interpret the pillars of the NACS, particularly in areas such as public financial management and ethics compliance.
They urged the media to shift focus from prosecution-driven narratives to preventive advocacy by promoting solution journalism and highlighting institutional reforms that reduce corruption risks.
The workshop also called for expedited legislative action on whistleblower protection to safeguard sources and strengthen investigative reporting.
To ensure sustainability, participants proposed the establishment of a tripartite monitoring committee comprising government, media, and civil society organisations to conduct quarterly reviews of the strategy’s progress up to 2026.
Participants commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other stakeholders for their commitment to advancing anti-corruption efforts, while urging the Federal Government to provide adequate funding to prevent operational constraints.
The workshop reaffirmed that a revitalised and empowered media sector is critical to the success of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, stressing that journalists must investigate fearlessly, report responsibly, educate citizens, and hold leaders accountable.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of ICPC, and Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, on behalf of participants.