We have mandate to change face of pilgrimage in Nigeria ­— NCPC boss

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has stated that he has the mandate to transform Christian pilgrimage in Nigeria.

He made this declaration on Tuesday, February 25, 2024, while hosting officials from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) in his office in Abuja.

Bishop Adegbite explained that in his first year in office, he successfully navigated the commission out of its challenges. He said, when he assumed office on February 5, 2024, he found that there was little to build upon, but he is pleased to report that the situation has improved significantly.

He pledged to collaborate with the anti-corruption agency to achieve optimal results, stating, “We will work with you transparently, in tandem, and in synergy.”

He emphasized the importance of partnering with anti-corruption agencies as they are vital allies in progress. The NCPC boss stressed the need for commitment and diligence among employees to earn legitimate incomes, declaring that there is no room for laziness.

“We want a country free of corruption, where people work hard and earn a living,” he said.

He also underscored the necessity of adhering to due diligence within the commission, stating, “We must observe due diligence.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Olusegun Adigun, who is the Director of the System Study and Review Department at the ICPC, informed the NCPC boss that they were visiting for an advocacy outreach. He briefed Bishop Adegbite about the ICPC’s mandate in relation to the functions of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

Mr Adigun explained that the Federal Executive Council approved the establishment of ACTU within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in 2001, and as of today, many organisations have set up ACTU units. He commended the NCPC for establishing an ACTU unit but expressed concern that the current unit is not functional.

He further elaborated on ACTU’s mandate, which includes system studies, public enlightenment on the issues of corruption, acting as observers at meetings of Joint Services Committees and Tender Boards, and conducting periodic system reviews to identify and address corruption-prone loopholes.

He noted that while ACTU can carry out all the mandates of the ICPC, it does not have the authority to prosecute.
Mr. Adigun requested the cooperation of the Executive Secretary to strengthen the ACTU, enabling it to function effectively within the Commission.