Nigeria: ICPC and ACCI Partner to Tackle Integrity Deficit in Procurement Contracts

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has joined forces with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to combat the integrity deficit observed among contractors engaged in procurement processes.

Shintema Binga, Head of Procurement at ICPC, expressed concerns about the integrity gaps prevalent among contractors during procurement processes. At the inauguration of the ACCI-ICPC procurement integrity and transparency training partnership, Binga highlighted the collaborative efforts with the Chamber of Commerce and the Centre for International Private Enterprise to address these lapses.

He emphasized the objective of bringing procurement contractors up to date with integrity standards to mitigate shortcomings in the procurement process. The partnership aims to ensure that contractors and vendors adhere to due process, incorporating technical evaluation, financial assessments, and due diligence.

Binga clarified that the focus on integrity in procurement processes extends beyond those specifically engaging with ICPC. While discussing the program, he noted that ICPC, as an integrity institution and law enforcement agency, involves various arms to uphold business integrity. The partnership intends to collaborate with other agencies beyond ICPC to address integrity concerns comprehensively.

Victoria Akai, the Director-General of ACCI, outlined the program’s goals, emphasizing the importance of ethical procurement and business practices in both the public and private sectors. The initiative aims to promote open governance, standard procurement practices, and institutional strengthening. Akai stressed the importance of achieving compliance within public institutions and encouraging the private sector to uphold ethics and accountability.

Lola Adekanye, the Country Director of the Centre for International Private Enterprise, underscored the fundamental role of business integrity and ethics in fostering competitive markets and democracy globally. The collaboration between ICPC and ACCI signifies a significant step towards acknowledging the shared responsibility of both the public and private sectors in combating corruption. Adekanye emphasized the goal of reinforcing values that make society resilient against corruption, recognizing the collective effort required to address integrity challenges.