ICPC Demands Integrity, Revenue Reforms in NIWA to Strengthen Inland Waterways

ICPC Demands Integrity, Revenue Reforms in NIWA to Strengthen Inland Waterways

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

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), describing systemic reforms as critical to national development and the success of the country’s Blue Economy agenda.

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, made the call in Abuja while declaring open a two-day executive anti-corruption training organised by NIWA in collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN).

Addressing senior NIWA officials, Aliyu stressed that for an agency with a strategic regulatory and revenue-generating mandate, strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms must be treated as a core operational priority.

“For an organisation like NIWA, embedding strong anti-corruption systems is not optional but essential,” he said, emphasising that integrity must be institutionalised through procedures and controls rather than relying solely on individual conduct.

He underscored the Commission’s preventive approach to corruption, arguing that proactive safeguards are more effective than reactive enforcement.

“Preventing corruption is more beneficial and cost-effective than running after stolen funds,” the ICPC boss stated.

Aliyu pledged the Commission’s continued support to NIWA through system reviews, corruption risk assessments and capacity-building initiatives aimed at protecting public trust and improving operational efficiency across Nigeria’s inland waterways network.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, linked institutional integrity directly to economic growth and national prosperity.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Hajia Fatima Sugra Tabi Mahmood, the minister described NIWA as a central driver of the Federal Government’s Blue Economy policy.

“System integrity is the foundation of effective public service, national development, and sustainable institutions,” Oyetola said.

He maintained that integrity is not only a governance issue but also an economic imperative, noting that transparent and accountable systems are necessary to reduce transport costs, facilitate trade and attract investment into the waterways sector.

The minister urged stakeholders to demonstrate ethical leadership and adopt innovative revenue-generation strategies to reposition NIWA for greater impact.

In his welcome address, NIWA Board Chairman, Barrister Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, CFR, aligned the reform push with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, insisting that integrity must guide every operational decision within the authority.

He outlined an integrity action plan that includes expanding digital payment systems to enhance transparency, strengthening internal controls, professionalising the workforce through continuous ethics training and engaging host communities in monitoring service delivery.

According to Shagari, NIWA’s objective goes beyond increasing revenue to building resilient systems capable of attracting private investment and fostering community partnerships.

The Provost of ACAN, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, represented by Deputy Director Mr. Clement Obaniyi, explained that the training was structured to produce measurable outcomes.

He said participants would be equipped to identify corruption risk points in revenue management, implement controls to block leakages and develop practical integrity plans for their respective departments.
In his remarks, the Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, expressed appreciation to the minister, ICPC leadership and the NIWA Board for supporting the initiative.

He urged staff to sustain the collaborative momentum generated by the retreat in order to improve institutional effectiveness and drive progress within the inland waterways sector.

The workshop forms part of broader efforts to strengthen governance, enhance revenue performance and reposition Nigeria’s inland waterways as a viable pillar of the country’s transportation and economic development framework.