ICPC Urges Sweeping Integrity Reforms in Inland Waterways Sector

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of integrity and revenue-collection systems at the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), warning that systemic weaknesses pose a serious threat to national development.

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, made the call in Abuja on Monday while opening a two-day executive anti-corruption training organised by NIWA in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN). He stressed that for an agency with NIWA’s strategic regulatory and revenue-generating mandate, strong anti-corruption frameworks are “not optional but essential.”

Dr. Aliyu said integrity must be embedded in institutional systems and procedures rather than relying on individual ethics, noting that preventing corruption is more cost-effective than pursuing stolen public funds. He reaffirmed ICPC’s commitment to supporting NIWA through system reviews, corruption risk assessments and capacity-building initiatives to protect public trust and improve operational efficiency across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hajia Fatima Sugra Tabi Mahmood, linked institutional integrity directly to economic growth, describing NIWA as a critical pillar of the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda. He said strong integrity systems are vital for lowering transport costs, boosting trade and attracting investment, urging stakeholders to demonstrate ethical leadership and innovation.

Also speaking, NIWA Board Chairman, Barrister Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, CFR, said integrity must guide every decision within the Authority in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He unveiled an integrity action plan focused on digital payment systems, stronger internal controls, continuous ethics training and community participation in monitoring services to build investor confidence and sustainable partnerships.

ACAN Provost, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, represented by Deputy Director Clement Obaniyi, explained that the training was designed to produce practical outcomes, equipping participants to identify corruption risks in revenue management and develop actionable integrity plans.

In his remarks, NIWA’s Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, expressed appreciation to the ICPC, the Ministry and the NIWA Board, urging staff to sustain the collaborative momentum to achieve improved institutional performance and national progress.