The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Power have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and improved service delivery in Nigeria’s power sector.
According to an official statement signed by the Spokesperson/Head, Media and Public Communications of the ICPC, J. Okor Odey, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, DSSRS, gave the assurance while receiving the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, and senior officials of the Ministry during a courtesy and familiarisation visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
The statement noted that the Minister described the ICPC as one of the key government institutions with which the Ministry must build a strong working relationship to strengthen accountability and good governance in the power sector.
Mr. Tegbe stated that the Ministry requires the Commission’s guidance, support and partnership in addressing challenges confronting the sector, particularly as it works to improve electricity generation and service delivery across the country.
He disclosed that about 30 per cent of the challenges facing the power sector stem from vandalism, adding that the Ministry has several cases requiring the Commission’s guidance in navigating appropriate anti-corruption and enforcement processes.
The Minister further revealed that electricity generation has improved, with national power output now exceeding 5,000 megawatts, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration with institutions such as the ICPC would help consolidate the gains already recorded.
“We need people like you with the requisite experience to support us, and we look forward to forging a sustainable and long-term relationship with the Commission,” he said.
According to the statement, the Secretary to the Commission congratulated the Minister on his appointment and commended the Ministry for identifying the ICPC as a strategic partner in efforts to reposition the nation’s power sector.
Mr. Oparaodu acknowledged the persistent electricity challenges facing the country but expressed optimism that improved power supply would stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities and boost national economic development.
He explained that the ICPC’s tripartite mandate of enforcement, prevention and public education places the Commission in a strategic position to support the Ministry across all three areas.
The statement added that the Commission assured the Ministry that, through its enforcement mandate, it would ensure contractors and other stakeholders entrusted with public resources are held accountable and prevented from defrauding the government.
It further stated that both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration to entrench transparency, safeguard public resources and improve service delivery in Nigeria’s power sector.
