The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has declared a zero tolerance for corrupt practices at the nation’s seaports.
Speaking at the formal inauguration of members of the NPA Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (NPA-ACTU) in Lagos, the NPA bos, represented by the General Manager Western Zone Ms AdenikeSonaike, said that for Nigerian ports to be the leading ports in Africa and to improve on efficiency level, the issue of corruption cannot be down-played “as corruption is inimical to efficiency in the port industry.”
Abdullahi also said that if Nigeria must take her pride of place among the committee of nations, “then we must shun corruption.”
He said NPA management was prepared to stamp out corruption at the various ports.
Representative of the Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, Mr. Kayode Olajimi, said the NPA-ACTU is a pacesetter which other government agencies and the ministry look up to.
Speaking at the same event, Head of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Lagos office, Olufemi Nofiu, said his office has a cordial relationship with NPA-ACTU. He enjoined the management of NPA to give the new executives necessary support to deliver on their task.
Members of NPA-ACTU Unit Mrs. E.I. Williams who will serve as the chairman; while G. Iye Egbunu, A.M. Aliyu, Engr. C. Ngini, and Mallam Munir Umar will serve as members.
Joshua Minabere is the secretary.
The terms of reference of the unit include: To receive and investigate complaints of corruption and other sharp practices; educate staff on and against bribery, corruption and sharp practices; and monitor NPA for general compliance with the anti-corruption and transparency crusade of the Federal Government.
The monitoring Unit derives its power from the provision of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act of 2000 and the federal government’s approval for the establishment of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Units (ACTU) in ministries, extra ministerial departments/agencies and parastatals.
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