Odita Sunday 
Stakeholders have called for a more proactive role for the media in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022–2026.
The call was made in a communiqué issued and signed by the ICPC Chairman, Dr Adams Aliyu, and the President, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, at the end of a one-day workshop on corruption prevention, attended by anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, and leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The workshop focused on reviewing progress under the strategy and outlining a roadmap for the Fourth Estate.
Participants said corruption cannot be addressed through prosecution alone, stressing the need for institutional reforms, ethical conduct, and transparency.
They identified challenges including weak coordination among agencies, low public awareness, political interference, and delays in the judicial process.
The communiqué noted that the media is often underutilised in preventing corruption, with more emphasis placed on reporting arrests than on exposing systemic failures.
Participants also highlighted the untapped potential of digital tools and artificial intelligence in investigative journalism.
They called for better protection for whistleblowers and journalists, as well as stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
The workshop recommended the establishment of media desks within anti-corruption agencies to improve information sharing.
It also urged capacity building for journalists and a shift towards preventive and solution-based reporting.
Participants further called for the passage of stronger whistleblower protection laws and proposed a joint monitoring committee to review progress regularly.
They said the success of the anti-corruption strategy depends on a fearless and responsible media.
The stakeholders commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and urged the Federal Government to provide adequate funding.
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