The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC), Niger State Office, has expressed the willingness to partner with civil society organisations (CSOs) to tackle corruption in the state.

Chukwurah Alexander, the director of ICPC in Niger, made the promise when the state chairman of the Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, Civil Society of Nigeria, Abdullahi Mohammed, and other members of the group visited the ICPC office on Friday in Minna.

“We will collaborate with credible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups in the state to project our activities to the public in the fight against corruption and other related offences,” he said.

Mr Alexander thanked the group for identifying with the commission, especially for indicating interest in collaborating and becoming part of its National Anti-Corruption Volunteer Corps (NAVC).

He also said the agency would continue to work with the media to inform, educate and enlighten the citizenry on government policies and programmes, which was critical in the fight against corruption.

“There is the need to work with the media to achieve results in creating awareness among members of the public in the state about ICPC and its activities,” he said.

The director said corruption could not be totally eradicated but could be reduced to the minimum, hence the commission’s mandate to go after those found wanting in corrupt practices.

He, therefore, urged the NGOs in the state and the media to support the commission in its effort to tackle corruption and bring the culprits to book.

Earlier, Mr Mohammed told the state director of ICPC that the group was in his office to brief him on the activities and functions of the NGO  and seek collaboration with the commission to become part of its National NAVC.

The group’s chairman noted that corruption had badly affected the country, leading to social disorder, political instability, poor governance, human displacement, poverty and hunger.

“We have the capacity to partner with you in fighting the evils of corruption in Nigeria and Niger State in particular,” he said. 

(NAN)