By Nkechi Eze
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s procurement system.
In a signed statement, Demola Bakare the commission’s spokesperson disclosed that Dr. Aliyu while speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ICPC and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja emphasized that these efforts are crucial in preventing corrupt practices and ensuring the prosecution of offenders.
Describing the MoU as more than a ceremonial gesture, Dr. Aliyu noted that the partnership is a strategic move towards fostering good governance, promoting national development, and ensuring the efficient delivery of essential public services and infrastructure.
The ICPC Chairman stressed that the collaboration represents a firm commitment to safeguarding public funds and ensuring that every Naira spent by the government delivers tangible benefits to the Nigerian people.
According to him, “The procurement system must be anchored on fairness, efficiency, and integrity, and such principles are essential for national prosperity.”.
Commending the BPP for its role in the initiative, Dr. Aliyu expressed confidence in the leadership of the Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, in upholding good governance and advancing the collective goal of building a stronger, corruption-free Nigeria.
In his remarks, Dr. Adedokun who described the signing of the MoU as a historic milestone expressed confidence in the capacity of both agencies to deliver value to Nigerians, noting that the partnership will leave a lasting legacy of efforts made to improve the lives of citizens.
“While the ICPC’s mandate is to rid Nigeria of corruption, the BPP is tasked with preventing it from occurring in the first place. This collaboration marks the end of business as usual for defaulters.”, he added.
The MoU outlines several objectives, including the strategic monitoring and evaluation of public procurement processes, strengthening information and intelligence gathering, and ensuring that procurement activities are free from corruption and related offences.
Additionally, the partnership aims to create an enabling environment for local and international investors by fostering a transparent and accountable procurement system.
