The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to strengthen anti-corruption measures within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, SAN, gave the assurance when the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Akutah Ukeyima, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Friday.
Aliyu stated that ICPC was open to a strategic partnership to enhance economic growth by promoting transparency, building capacity and
tackling corruption in the port sector.
According to him, ICPC is willing and ready to work with the council to ensure that Nigeria’s economy is in good shape.
He emphasised the importance of empowering young people who work in the port sector to ensure they have job opportunities and a future.
The ICPC chairman called for the integration of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) into the partnership framework.
He underscored the need for joint efforts among agencies such as ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance national security, facilitate global trade and improve the ease of doing business.
Aliyu also pledged the ICPC’s support to the NSC in building the capacity of its personnel and leveraging technology to boost transparency and enforcement across the sector.
The ICPC boss, who reeled out past successes in the collaboration between both agencies, noted a significant reduction in reported corrupt practices at the ports, stressing that “the Port Standing Task Team worked.”
According to him, based on reports, in 2019, bribery in the ports sector dropped from 266 incidents to 24 incidents in 2020.
”So we need that sort of collaborative work. We need the team revived. Maybe with the coming of the new act, it will enable us to work together more,” he said.
In his remarks, Ukeyima acknowledged the longstanding relationship between both agencies.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to sanitising the port sector, which he described as the gateway to Nigeria’s economy.
The NSC boss called for enhanced enforcement mechanisms and urged the ICPC to support data sharing, intelligence exchange, and a joint capacity-building programme.
This, he said, would help to boost awareness and understanding of anti-corruption practices among port stakeholders.
Freedomonline reports that the renewed collaboration between ICPC and the NSC marks a significant step toward strengthening institutional frameworks and promoting ethical standards.
It will also help in reinforcing the fight against corruption in Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.
