ICPC, China’s Xinhua agency partner to strengthen anti-corruption fight

By Johnson Arua

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and China’s state-owned Xinhua News Agency are exploring a strategic media partnership to strengthen information exchange and promote Nigeria-China cooperation in the fight against corruption.

The proposed partnership is also expected to enhance the international visibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption initiatives, particularly efforts to tackle illicit financial flows and the cross-border movement of proceeds of crime.

The ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, disclosed the Commission’s interest in the collaboration when he received a delegation of media professionals from Xinhua News Agency at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The delegation was led by Mr. Gui Tao, Deputy President of Xinhua News Agency for Africa, who emphasised the importance of accurate and balanced reporting in fostering international cooperation.

Gui Tao expressed the agency’s readiness to collaborate with the ICPC in projecting the Commission’s anti-corruption initiatives to a global audience, noting that corruption was a transnational challenge requiring cross-border cooperation.

He said Xinhua’s extensive global media network could provide a platform for showcasing Nigeria’s anti-corruption reforms and achievements to the international community.

Welcoming the delegation, Aliyu described the proposed partnership as a timely opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and China while supporting efforts to combat corruption.

He stressed the need for closer international cooperation in addressing illicit financial flows and the movement of proceeds of crime across national borders.

The ICPC chairman also underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting transparency and mobilising citizens against corruption.

Aliyu called on Xinhua to support the Commission’s media and public communication efforts through technology transfer and professional training for personnel of its Media and Public Communication Unit.

According to him, such capacity-building initiatives would improve the Commission’s information dissemination, strengthen its communication strategies and enhance the global visibility of its activities.

In his response, Gui Tao reaffirmed Xinhua’s commitment to providing technical support and training opportunities for ICPC media personnel.

He noted that the agency’s extensive international reach could be leveraged to project Nigeria’s anti-corruption reforms and success stories to audiences across the world.

Gui Tao added that the proposed collaboration would be mutually beneficial, with both institutions drawing on shared values of integrity, transparency and public accountability.

Xinhua News Agency, China’s official state news agency, maintains an extensive global network, including a significant presence across Africa, where it reports on economic development, trade, culture and social progress while promoting information exchange and mutual understanding.

The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen media cooperation between Nigeria and China, promote the country’s anti-corruption agenda internationally and support broader efforts to advance good governance and the rule of law.

The statement was signed by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey.