NEWS
ICPC Niger State office seeks strategic partnership with media, civil society
By Suleiman Yakubu
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Niger State has pledged to partner with media outlets and civil society organisations to enhance public service delivery and intensify the fight against corruption.
During a courtesy visit from the Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Human Rights Advocacy Civil Society of Nigeria, Niger State Chapter, ICPC Niger State Director, Mr. Chukwurah Alexander, emphasised the agency’s readiness to collaborate with credible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups. He underscored the importance of engaging the public in the anti-corruption fight, stating that these partnerships will help raise awareness and strengthen the commission’s activities across the state.
Alexander expressed appreciation to the CD Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, and his delegation for their interest in collaborating with the ICPC, noting that such partnerships are crucial to amplifying the agency's message. He also stressed the pivotal role of the media, which, through educating and informing the public, can help shape citizens' understanding of anti-corruption efforts and government initiatives.
"The media plays a critical role in informing and educating the public, which is essential in the fight against corruption," Alexander said. "We are ready to work with media outlets in Niger State to ensure the public is aware of our activities and the existence of the anti-corruption agency."
While acknowledging that corruption cannot be entirely eradicated, Alexander stated that it can be significantly reduced. He urged NGOs and media representatives to support the commission’s mandate by helping to expose corrupt practices and bring offenders to justice. He described the partnership with media and civil society as essential steps in achieving the ICPC’s goals and broadening public awareness of its operations.
In his address, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, Chairman of the Campaign for Democracy, Niger State Chapter, reiterated his organisation’s commitment to working closely with the ICPC to promote transparency and accountability. He shared that his NGO seeks to collaborate with the commission by joining the National Anti-Corruption Volunteers Corps (NAVC), with the aim of driving the anti-corruption agenda in the state to new heights.
Jabi highlighted the destructive impact of corruption, describing it as the primary "killer virus" plaguing Nigeria's economy and society, leading to widespread poverty, political instability, and social disorder. He called on the government to allocate sufficient resources to the ICPC to enable it to function effectively and protect the identities of whistleblowers providing intelligence.
"Our NGO is committed to ensuring transparent governance that will have a direct positive impact on citizens' lives," Jabi stated. "We are ready to take the anti-corruption campaign to the next level in Niger State, ensuring that the people are well-informed about their rights and the consequences of corruption."
The visit concluded with a mutual agreement to foster stronger ties between the ICPC, media, and civil society groups to ensure sustained efforts in the fight against corruption across Niger State.