The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has urged Nigerians to report corrupt practices as it will improve service delivery among public servants in the country.
The charge was given through Mrs. Mary Omonoyan, Chief Superintendent of ICPC, Lagos office, who emphasized the importance of reporting corruption during a Town Hall meeting on the theme “Issues of Systemic Corruption in Public and Private Sectors: A Deep Dive into Electricity Sector in Lagos State” organized by WADATA Media and Advocacy Centre with support from the McArthur Foundation.
Mrs Omonoyan highlighted the Commission’s mandates in enforcement, prevention, and public education, encouraging citizens to use its social media handles and toll-free lines including 0800-CALL-ICPC to report corruption.
Furthermore, she encouraged the people to ask questions about constituency projects in their community while explaining the Constituency and Executive Tracking Initiative of the Commission.
The meeting also stressed the urgent need for reforms in the electricity sector and emphasized the role of civil societies in improving public awareness, community engagement, and capacity building while using technology to address corruption.
Earlier, Mr. Zubair Abdurra’uf Idris, the Executive Director of WAMAC, in his welcome address, highlighted the meeting’s goal of activating citizen participation.
He said “There is a need to enhance the community interface between citizens and government in the fight against corruption. The need to own and demand for accountability from government organizations and political leaders is urgent”.
He encouraged participants to make use of the Freedom of Information Act to ensure participatory democracy in the affairs of government.