ICPC, Power Ministry partner to strengthen transparency, improve electricity service delivery

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Power have pledged to strengthen collaboration aimed at promoting 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, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, and senior officials of the ministry to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Commission’s spokesperson, Okor Odey, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Kano.

Speaking during the visit, the Secretary to the Commission, Clifford Okwudili Oparaodu, reaffirmed the ICPC’s readiness to work closely with the ministry in tackling corruption and ensuring accountability in the management of public resources within the power sector.

Earlier, Tegbe described the ICPC as one of the key government institutions with which the ministry must build a strong working relationship to enhance accountability and address challenges affecting electricity supply across the country.

According to the minister, the ministry requires the Commission’s guidance and support in resolving issues confronting the sector, particularly as it seeks to improve electricity generation and service delivery.

He disclosed that about 30 per cent of the challenges facing the power sector are linked to vandalism, adding that the ministry has several cases requiring the Commission’s guidance on anti-corruption and enforcement procedures.

Tegbe also said the ministry had recorded improvements in electricity generation, with power output now exceeding 5,000 megawatts.

He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration with agencies such as the ICPC would help consolidate the progress already achieved.

“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,” the minister said.

Responding, Oparaodu congratulated Tegbe on his appointment and commended the ministry for recognising the ICPC as a strategic partner in efforts to reposition the nation’s power sector.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding electricity challenges but expressed confidence that improved power supply would drive industrial growth, create jobs and boost economic development.

Oparaodu said the ICPC’s mandate of enforcement, prevention and public education places the Commission in a strong position to support the ministry in promoting transparency and accountability.

He assured the ministry that the Commission would use its enforcement powers to ensure contractors and other stakeholders entrusted with public funds are held accountable and prevented from defrauding the government.

The meeting concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to deepen collaboration in safeguarding public resources, strengthening transparency and improving service delivery in Nigeria’s power sector.