ICPC, Power Ministry Partner to Strengthen Accountability in Electricity Sector, Service Delivery
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Power have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration to promote transparency, accountability and improved service delivery in Nigeria’s power sector.
The commitment was made on Monday during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, and senior officials of the ministry to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the Minister described the ICPC as a critical government institution with which the ministry must build a strong working relationship to enhance accountability in the electricity sector.
He said the ministry was seeking the Commission’s guidance, support and partnership in addressing persistent challenges affecting the sector, particularly as it works to improve electricity generation and service delivery across the country.
According to Tegbe, about 30 per cent of the challenges confronting the power sector are linked to vandalism, adding that the ministry has several cases requiring the Commission’s expertise in navigating appropriate anti-corruption and enforcement processes.
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The minister also disclosed that Nigeria’s electricity generation has improved, with power output now exceeding 5,000 megawatts. He expressed 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.
Responding, the Secretary to the ICPC, Mr. Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, congratulated the minister on his appointment and commended the ministry for identifying the anti-graft agency as a strategic partner in efforts to reposition the nation’s power sector.
Oparaodu acknowledged the country’s persistent electricity challenges but expressed optimism that improved power supply would stimulate industrial growth, create employment opportunities and accelerate national economic development.
He noted that the ICPC’s tripartite mandate of enforcement, prevention and public education places the Commission in a strategic position to support the Ministry of Power in promoting integrity and accountability.
The ICPC secretary assured the ministry that the Commission would deploy its enforcement mandate to ensure contractors and other stakeholders entrusted with public resources are held accountable and prevented from defrauding the government.
The meeting concluded with both institutions pledging to strengthen cooperation to entrench transparency, protect public resources and improve service delivery in Nigeria’s power sector.
By PRNigeria
