ICPC vows to tackle corruption in Nigeria’s power sector

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has vowed to tackle corruption – estimated billings, illegal sales of meters among others – in the power sector.

Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Bolaji Owasanoye (SAN) gave the assurance recently during a  consultation meeting of business membership organisations and electricity regulatory bodies.

Owasanoye noted during the event organised by the Association of Public Policy Analysis (APPA-Nigeria) in Abuja that the incessant complaints about high electricity billings by distribution companies have become rife.

The ICPC boss, who was represented by Mallam Hassan Salihu, an Assistant Commissioner in the Commission, called on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and electricity regulatory bodies to join hands in the prevention of electricity-related corruption in Nigeria.

He  revealed that the Commission articulated the National Ethics and Integrity Policy  –  Human Dignity, Voice and Participation, Patriotism, Personal Responsibility, Integrity, National Unity, and Professionalism – which is geared towards instilling lost values as a norm among citizens.

The ICPC chief explained that the commission was working to ensure accountability across the public and private sectors through the implementation of these core values, adding that it would enable people working in the sectors to shun corruption.

Owasanoye informed  that the Commission was empowered by the law to do system studies and reviews in government agencies and departments to mitigate the occurrence of corrupt activities in such organizations.