The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Power to strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity across Nigeria’s electricity sector.
The commitment was made during a courtesy and familiarisation visit by the Minister of Power, Mr. Joseph Tegbe, and senior officials of the ministry to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the anti-graft agency following the meeting.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the commission, the Secretary to the ICPC, Mr. Clifford Oparaodu, said the commission remains ready to collaborate with the ministry in promoting good governance and ensuring the prudent management of public resources in the power sector.
According to the statement, Tegbe described the ICPC as one of the key government institutions with which the ministry must build a productive working relationship to improve accountability and strengthen reforms within the electricity industry.
The minister explained that the Ministry of Power requires the commission’s expertise, guidance and institutional support in addressing various challenges affecting the sector, particularly those related to transparency, contract execution and public service delivery.
He identified vandalism as one of the major factors hindering progress in the electricity sector, revealing that approximately 30 per cent of the challenges confronting the industry are linked to the destruction of critical power infrastructure.
Tegbe also disclosed that the ministry has several ongoing cases that require the commission’s advice and support in determining the appropriate anti-corruption and enforcement measures.
He noted that effective collaboration between both institutions would help improve accountability while protecting government investments in the power sector.
The minister further announced that the country has recorded noticeable progress in electricity generation, stating that national power output has now exceeded 5,000 megawatts.
According to him, sustaining the improvement would require stronger cooperation with oversight and anti-corruption institutions such as the ICPC.
“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 statement quoted the minister as saying.
Responding, Oparaodu congratulated Tegbe on his appointment and commended him for identifying the ICPC as a strategic partner in efforts to reposition Nigeria’s power sector.
He acknowledged that electricity remains one of the country’s most pressing developmental challenges, expressing optimism that improved power supply would stimulate industrialisation, create employment opportunities and strengthen economic growth.
Oparaodu explained that the commission’s responsibilities extend beyond investigations and prosecution, noting that its tripartite mandate covers enforcement, corruption prevention and public education.
He said this places the ICPC in a strong position to collaborate with the Ministry of Power in promoting integrity and accountability throughout the sector.
The ICPC secretary assured the ministry that the commission would utilise its enforcement powers to ensure contractors and other stakeholders entrusted with government resources remain accountable for their actions.
He stressed that the commission would continue supporting efforts aimed at preventing fraud, abuse of office and the mismanagement of public funds allocated to electricity projects.
According to the statement, both parties agreed on the importance of sustained institutional collaboration to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and support the Federal Government’s efforts to transform Nigeria’s power sector.
