The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has renewed its alliance with the National Anti-Corruption Coalition (NACC) as part of efforts to mobilise action against corruption in the country.

Secretary to the anti-graft commission, Clifford Oparaodu, said this in Abuja at a one-day virtual sensitisation session for NACC members on the fight against corruption.

Mr Oparaodu noted that the NACC was initiated as a platform for interested NGOs to apply to partner with the commission by harnessing the huge potential of vital segments of society toward eradicating corruption.

He explained that the commission “believes that a coalition of organisations working together to achieve a common objective around the issue of corruption and good governance will go a long way in educating the public and mobilising them for the fight against corruption.”

Mr Oparaodu added, “NACC was conceived as a strategy of collective ownership for the crusade against corruption. It is premised on the fact that more can be achieved in the fight against corruption if all stakeholders participate in eradicating it from the nation.”

He listed the objectives of NACC, which include increasing public sensitisation to the fight against corruption, empowering civil society groups to demand accountability and transparency in governance, and facilitating public dialogue on anti-corruption strategies.

Mr Oparaodu stressed that “since the formation of the coalition, there have been several engagements,” such as capacity building, extending donor grants for grassroots training, and tracking constituency and executive projects.

“Also, advocating for behavioural change using the National Ethics and Integrity Policy (NEIP) and joint media campaigns with the commission, etc.,” noted Mr Oparaodu.

Mr Oparaodu noted that the commission had also partnered different NGOs. 

He gave examples, including the Accountability Icon Awards and the Anti-Corruption Stars Awards for teachers, parents and students.

According to him, the commission is engaging the NGOs in the distribution of publications, participation as resource persons at Summits and Workshops, co-hosting of events, etc.

(NAN)