Shippers’ Council, ICPC unite to combat corruption in Nigeria
By Dooyum Naadzenga
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has pledged to strengthen its collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
This joint effort was announced during a recent meeting at the NSC headquarters in Lagos, marking a renewed commitment to ethical practices within the maritime sector.
The meeting brought together key figures from both organizations, including Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, Executive Secretary and CEO of the NSC, and Alexander Chukwurah, FSI, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of ICPC.
Their discussions highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to tackle corruption and promote integrity in Nigerian ports.
Dr. Akutah welcomed the ICPC delegation, expressing gratitude for the longstanding partnership that has contributed to curbing unethical practices in the country’s maritime operations. He underscored the effectiveness of their collaboration, which has yielded positive results in promoting transparency and accountability.
One of the key achievements highlighted during the meeting was the NSC’s recent ranking as the top performer within the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, earning an impressive score of 84.68% on the 2024 ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard. Dr. Akutah framed this achievement as a testament to the Council’s ongoing commitment to ethical governance.
Commissioner Chukwurah emphasized the necessity of enhancing ties with the NSC as part of his mandate in Lagos. He expressed his intention to drive a joint anti-corruption agenda that not only addresses issues within the maritime sector but also extends across the nation. Chukwurah’s visit was deemed timely and crucial for reinforcing this collaborative spirit.
During the discussions, Chukwurah outlined the ICPC’s three-pronged strategy focusing on enforcement, prevention, and public education. He encouraged the NSC to empower its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, thereby broadening the impact of their anti-corruption initiatives.
The meeting also touched on the need for sustained efforts to improve Nigeria’s international reputation through enhanced ethical standards. Both leaders agreed that a concerted approach to integrity could significantly influence the perception of Nigeria on the global stage.
READ ALSO: 2027: Buhari loyalists support Tinubu for second term
The collaboration between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the ICPC represents a vital step toward stamping out corruption in Nigeria’s maritime sector. Their joint commitment to transparency and ethical practices aims to foster a more accountable and trustworthy environment for all stakeholders involved.
