The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Thursday inaugurated an 8-member team as the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) for the agency, in line with the federal government’s anti-corruption and transparency goals.
NIMASA inaugurated the new ACTU team at a ceremony supervised by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Lagos, Mr. Kabir Elelu Esq, at the agency’s headquarters.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh OFR, emphasised the need to develop systems that entrench peace, access to justice and encourage the establishment of strong institutions in the country.
Jamoh, who was represented by Mrs. Olamide Odusanya, maintained that every Nigerian is aware that corruption has long plagued the nation, eroding public trust, hampering development, and denying justice.
“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 (UN) Sustainable Development Goals 2030, including no poverty, zero hunger, and clean water and sanitation. It is indeed a scourge we must confront,” the NIMASA boss said.
Dr. Bashir, however, expressed 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 with much to lose. 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,” NIMASA DG advised the new ACTU team.
On his part, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, ICPC Lagos, Mr. Kabir Elelu Esq., described the institution of ACTU as a collaborative and admirable method of involving citizens in the fight against corruption.
“ACTU demonstrates a deep understanding that personnel within organizations are best placed to recognize 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 organizational goals and objectives with a view to eradicating corrupt tendencies in its entirety,” the ICPC Commissioner remarked.
According to him, ACTU’s influence over the past 22 years 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,” Elelu said.
Meanwhile, the NIMASA ACTU Chairperson, Aisha Usman, said that the occasion marked a significant milestone for the agency.
“In this move to ensure that corrupt practices are not only reduced, but completely eliminated in the agency; we are greatly honored and privileged to have been nominated. It is with humility and a great sense of responsibility that we take on this role,” Usman stated.
