By George Ozalla
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged media practitioners in Nigeria to take a more active role in exposing and reporting cases of money laundering, describing the press as a key partner in efforts to curb financial crimes and illicit financial flows in the country.
The Commission made the call during an engagement on anti-money laundering awareness and institutional collaboration, where it warned that money laundering continues to weaken governance structures, distort economic stability and erode public trust in public institutions. It noted that perpetrators of financial crimes are constantly refining their methods, making sustained media scrutiny and public enlightenment essential to detection and prevention.
The ICPC said journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding of corruption-related financial crimes and can significantly support enforcement efforts through consistent investigative reporting and responsible coverage of illicit financial activities. It urged media professionals to strengthen their knowledge of anti-money laundering laws and reporting frameworks, adding that improved awareness within the media space would help close loopholes exploited by offenders.
The Commission also disclosed that it is deepening collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders to enhance detection, compliance monitoring and prosecution of individuals and networks involved in laundering proceeds of corruption. It said prevention remains a central pillar of its approach, alongside enforcement, through continuous engagement and sensitisation.
The ICPC maintained that tackling money laundering requires a coordinated national response involving regulatory institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media, working together to safeguard public resources and strengthen accountability in governance.
