The Government of Namibia has reached out to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore opportunities for training and expertise sharing with personnel from the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission in their efforts to combat corruption.
This initiative was communicated on Friday during a visit by Namibia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Humphrey Geiseb, to the ICPC headquarters.
Geiseb emphasized Nigeria’s prominent role in the fight against corruption in Africa, noting that the country has valuable expertise that could benefit others on the continent. He also highlighted that Namibia has its own anti-corruption agency, the Anti-Corruption Commission of Namibia (ACC), and expressed interest in learning from Nigeria’s successful asset recovery efforts through the ICPC and the EFCC.
“The fight against corruption is evolving in Africa, and we believe Nigeria should take the lead in sharing its knowledge. We hope that ICPC and EFCC will open their doors to countries like Namibia,” he stated.
In response, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, welcomed the Namibian Ambassador’s presence at the launch of ICPC’s Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028 and emphasized that combating corruption requires a collaborative approach across the continent.
He expressed the ICPC’s readiness to partner with other anti-corruption bodies and mentioned that the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) could facilitate training for the Namibian commission.
“Corruption operates through networks, and we need to unite to disrupt these illegal practices. This collaboration will promote good governance and attract foreign direct investment,” he added.
Dr. Aliyu also acknowledged a Memorandum of Understanding signed by his predecessor, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, reaffirming ICPC’s commitment to support the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission. He highlighted the academy’s role in training, suggesting that mutual learning could occur when Namibian personnel visit.