By Peace Erewunmi

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has emphasised that responsible data handling is a critical component of the Commission’s anti-corruption mandate, stating that public confidence depends not only on successful investigations and prosecutions but also on the protection of personal information entrusted to the agency.

Speaking at a Data Protection and Privacy Sensitisation and Awareness Programme held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Aliyu said the ICPC handles large volumes of sensitive information relating to petitioners, suspects, witnesses, complainants, employees, contractors and members of the public. He stressed that such information must be collected, processed, stored, shared and disposed of lawfully, responsibly and securely.

The ICPC Chairman noted that data has become one of the most valuable assets in modern governance, supporting investigations, decision-making and public service delivery. However, he warned that poor data management could compromise investigations, expose individuals to harm, weaken institutional credibility and erode public trust.

Aliyu explained that data protection is no longer the responsibility of information technology or legal professionals alone, but a shared obligation for every officer of the Commission. He urged staff to uphold the principles of accountability, confidentiality, fairness and respect for individual rights in every stage of handling personal information.

He also highlighted measures introduced by the Commission to strengthen its internal data protection framework, including the establishment of the Data Protection and Incident Response Team (DPIRT) to improve compliance, enhance incident response and integrate privacy safeguards into the Commission’s daily operations. The ICPC reaffirmed that protecting personal data remains essential to preserving institutional integrity and strengthening Nigeria’s fight against corruption.