The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Power have moved to deepen collaboration aimed at tackling corruption, curbing vandalism and improving electricity service delivery across Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Monday during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, and top ministry officials to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Tegbe described the anti-graft agency as a critical partner in the government’s efforts to reform the power sector and strengthen accountability in the management of public resources.
He revealed that roughly 30 per cent of the challenges confronting the electricity sector are linked to vandalism, adding that the ministry is seeking the commission’s support in handling several cases requiring anti-corruption and enforcement interventions.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s electricity generation has improved significantly, with power output now exceeding 5,000 megawatts, but sustained progress would depend on stronger cooperation with oversight institutions.
He said, “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.”
Responding, the secretary to the commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu congratulated the minister on his appointment and commended the ministry for recognising ICPC as a strategic ally in efforts to reposition the nation’s power sector.
Oparaodu said improved electricity supply would accelerate industrial growth, create jobs and strengthen the economy, stressing that ICPC’s mandate of enforcement, prevention and public education places it in a unique position to support reforms in the sector.
He assured the ministry that the commission would deploy its enforcement powers to ensure contractors and other stakeholders entrusted with public funds are held accountable and prevented from defrauding the government.