Shippers’ Council, ICPC Reiterate Partnership Against Corruption at Ports

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting against corruption in Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem, pledging closer collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

This renewed fight against corruption at the ports was made during a meeting between the NSC and the ICPC Lagos Office, led by Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, Mr Alexander Chukwurah.

The Executive Secretary and CEO of the NSC, Mr Akutah Pius, welcomed the ICPC delegation and commended the longstanding partnership between both institutions, saying the alliance has significantly curbed unethical practices at the nation’s ports.

Describing the Commissioner’s visit as timely, Mr Akutah highlighted the council’s recent achievement, including being ranked first within the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy with an impressive score of 84.68 per cent in the 2024 ICPC Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard.

He said this is as a testament to the council’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability.

In his remarks, Mr Chukwurah explained that his visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the NSC as the new Resident Commissioner in Lagos.

He said this was with a focus on driving a joint anti-corruption agenda across the maritime sector and the nation at large.

He outlined the ICPC’s three-pronged approach of enforcement, prevention, and public education/mobilization and encouraged the council to continue empowering its Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit to broaden the reach of the anti-corruption campaign.

Other discussions also touched on the need for sustained efforts to enhance Nigeria’s image globally through improved ethical standards.