The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC), has sought stronger collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the general public to confront corruption in Nigeria.
This strategic move took place recently at the NDDC Tower in Port Harcourt, during a courtesy visit by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) in charge of Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs Ekere Usiere and her team, to the Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku (Ph.D) and his management.
The RACC called on the management of the NDDC to contribute their quota in the nation’s anti-corruption efforts, as being championed by the ICPC, noting that inter-agency collaboration is critical if Nigeria must win the fight against corruption.
“It is true that ICPC has the responsibility as a Commission to fight corruption in Nigeria and rid Nigeria of all forms of corruption, but the Commission alone cannot do this herculean task without the cooperation of other MDAs and even the public at large,” Mrs. Usiere stated.
According to her, with the support of other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the general public, tangible success can be recorded in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
She pointed out that “through effective collaboration, we would collectively record significant progress in the fight against corruption”.
In his response, the Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Ogbuku, assured the ICPC delegation of his commitment to the fight against corruption, urging the Commission to advocate more for better welfare of the Nigerian workforce, which he believes will help reduce the tendencies of corrupt practices amongst Nigerian workers.
He stressed that, “Rather than waiting for corrupt offences to be committed before embarking on investigation and prosecution, ICPC may need to push for better remuneration for Nigerian workers”.
Ogbuku further emphasized that, “ICPC should champion government policies that would improve the working environment for Nigerian workers, especially in the area of improved salaries, effective mortgage system, and staff development “.
The two agencies reaffirmed their commitment to a stronger partnership that can advance the fight against corruption and propel national development.