The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Thursday inaugurated its Anti-corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
The eight-member NIMASA ACTU was inaugurated at a ceremony supervised by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Lagos, Kabir Elelu, at the maritime agency’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, stressed the need to develop systems that entrench peace, access to justice and encourage the establishment of strong institutions in the country.
Jamoh lamented the adverse effects of corruption on the society, which include erosion of public trust.
He said, “We have seen how corruption can affect 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.”
He charged the new ACTU members to embrace transparency, fairness and moral courage in the discharge of their duties.
“Do not lose hope when progress seem slow; remain vigilant against cynicism. With truth as your ally, justice will prevail,” Jamoh, who was represented at the inauguration ceremony by NIMASA Director of Internal Audit, Mrs Olamide Odusanya, said.
The NIMASA DG, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of officers selected to serve in the unit, enjoined them to remain steadfast in their duties.
Also speaking, the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, ICPC Lagos, Kabir Elelu, said the setting up of the Anti-corruption and Transparency Unit 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,” he said.
He said ICPC is not unaware of the challenges faced by ACTU members.
The challenges, according to him, include underfunding and being viewed as spies by colleagues.
“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 ACTU Effectiveness Index,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman of the NIMASA ACTU, Aisha Usman, said, “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.”