ICPC Chairman urges Global Business Leaders to prioritise corporate integrity at Oxford Conference

ICPC Chairman urges Global Business Leaders to prioritise corporate integrity at Oxford Conference

By Johnson Arua

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has called on global business leaders to embrace corporate integrity as a core investment in sustainable growth and long-term success.

Dr. Aliyu made the call while delivering a paper titled “Corporate Integrity in a Global Marketplace: Compliance, Challenges and Strategies – The Nigerian Experience” at the 2025 World Anti-Corruption Conference (WACC) held at Rhodes House, Oxford, United Kingdom.

In a statement issued by the ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and Commission Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, Dr. Aliyu noted that in today’s interconnected global economy, businesses are no longer bound by borders.

He explained that while globalisation has created opportunities for innovation and trade, it has also exposed companies to complex risks, particularly those linked to varying legal frameworks and corruption pressures across jurisdictions.

“Fighting corruption is not just about having laws; it is about building a culture of honesty,” he stated.

“When leaders act with integrity, the rest of the organisation will follow. Integrity must be demonstrated from the top and reinforced by systems that reward ethical behaviour.”

Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, the ICPC Chairman identified key challenges facing businesses, including inconsistent international legal standards, pressure to pay facilitation fees, and weak internal oversight systems.

He stressed that strong leadership, robust compliance frameworks, and board-level accountability are critical to overcoming these challenges.

Dr. Aliyu also underscored the importance of whistleblower protection, regular ethics training, and incorporating ethical performance into employee appraisals.

He urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to view integrity not as a regulatory burden but as a strategic asset that enhances trust, competitiveness, and long-term profitability.

“A company that conducts its business honestly earns public respect, attracts investors, and becomes more resilient,” he said. “Integrity is not a cost—it is an investment.”

According to Dr. Aliyu, the ICPC continues to strengthen its enforcement and preventive measures through prosecutions, systems review, and public education initiatives aimed at promoting transparency in governance and corporate conduct.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with international partners, regulators, and the private sector to foster ethical business practices across borders.

“We are building a future where honesty is the norm in business, not the exception. This requires strong leadership, collaboration, and consistency,” he concluded.

The World Anti-Corruption Conference 2025, themed “United for Integrity: Innovation, Collaboration, and Accountability in the Fight Against Corruption,” brought together global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts from both developed and emerging economies to discuss strategies for promoting integrity in international business.