As part of measures to boost Federal Government’s anti-corruption and transparency drive, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has inaugurated an eight-man team of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) for the agency.
The event was supervised by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC, Lagos, Kabir Elelu Esq.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos on Thursday, Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, noted that there was the need to develop systems that entrench peace, access to justice and encourage the establishment of strong institutions in Nigeria.
Jamoh, who was represented by the Director, Internal Audit of the agency, Mrs. Olamide Odusanya, maintained that every citizen of the country is aware that corruption has long plagued the nation, eroding public trust, hampering development, and denying justice.
His words: “We have seen how corruption can infect all levels of government, business, and even civil society. It is a scourge that we must all confront aggressively especially during this tough economic period for our nation.
“Corruption siphons away resources needed to empower and develop our economy. We see it in the efforts needed to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals UNSDGs 2030, including no poverty, zero hunger, and clean water and sanitation. It is indeed a scourge we must confront.”
The NIMASA boss expressed his satisfaction with the quality of officers inaugurated as members of ACTU, stating that they are amongst the agency’s best employees and that their commitment to integrity and accountability over the years have been admirable.
“The task before you will be challenging. You may face resistance from those who have much to lose because of the exercise. They may be your friends, family and colleagues, but stay steadfast in your duties the public depends on it. Know that you have the full support of the agency as you carry out your responsibilities,” Jamoh told the team.
Also speaking, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, ICPC Lagos, Kabir Elelu Esq., described the inauguration of ACTU as a collaborative and admirable method of involving citizens in the fight against corruption.
“ACTU demonstrates a deep understanding that personnel within organisations are best placed to recognise and address corruption concerns. The main reason for the establishment of ACTUs into the Federal Government MDAs is to facilitate and complement the efforts of ICPC in promoting high moral standards, work ethics and values needed to achieve organisational goals and objectives with a view to eradicating corrupt tendencies in its entirety.
“ACTU’s influence spreads over the past 22 years and has been visible in the positive changes it has brought about including; identifying corrupt-prone practices and conducting investigations that resulted in recommendations for disciplinary punishments.
“The Commission is not unaware of the challenges that ACTU members face, such as; being viewed as spies and being underfunded. I am glad to inform you that the ICPC is actively addressing these concerns through methods such as Desk Officer development and the establishment of CTU Effectiveness Index.”
“To be relevant and successful, ACTU must commit to continuous training and constant relationship with the Commission not only through the Desk Officer but also through the Head of the State Offices”, the ICPC director stated.
In her own speech, the NIMASA ACTU Chairperson, Aisha Usman, noted that the occasion marked a significant milestone for the agency.
She noted that the move was part of efforts to ensure that corrupt practices are not only reduced, but completely eliminated in the agency.
While appreciating the ICPC for choosing NIMASA as a unit of the ACTU, Usman said: “We are greatly honoured and privileged to have been nominated. It is with humility and a great sense of responsibility that we take on this role.”
PHOTO: From left: Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC Lagos, Kabir Elelu Esq., and the Director, Internal Audit, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Mrs. Olamide Odusanya; during the inauguration of NIMASA Anti-Corruption team, Thursday in Lagos.