NITDA, ICPC Launch Joint Task Force to Tackle Corruption in Government IT Projects

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have inaugurated a Joint Task Force on Digital Governance and Anti-Corruption, aimed at enforcing compliance with IT project regulations and curbing corruption in public sector technology investments.

The initiative was formally unveiled on Monday during a courtesy visit by NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, to ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

This strategic alliance supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which envisions a $1 trillion digital economy built on transparency, efficiency, and anti-corruption measures.

“The IT Project Clearance process is a national safeguard,” Inuwa said. “It ensures value for money, synergy in government IT spending, and adherence to global best practices.”

The collaboration comes in response to mounting concerns over billions of naira lost to failed or mismanaged government IT projects, many of which were executed without the necessary clearances, leading to project duplication, inflated costs, and poor technical standards.

Under the new framework:

• NITDA will provide technical oversight to evaluate and monitor government IT projects.

• ICPC will apply its investigative and prosecutorial powers to enforce compliance and prosecute offenders where necessary.

ICPC Chairman Dr. Aliyu applauded the partnership, stating: “Corruption in IT procurement weakens economic development and erodes public trust. This collaboration is vital to ensure accountability in digital governance.”

Both agencies affirmed that the Joint Task Force will drive a more transparent, standardized, and citizen-focused approach to digital transformation in Nigeria.

The partnership is expected to institutionalize digital governance, prevent resource wastage, and ensure that public sector technology projects deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.