As the world marks World Anti-Corruption day, The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulations Commission NUPRC took a rare initiative to create awareness against corruption in the country with the team
The theme of this year’s anti-corruption day is “uniting with youths against corruption”, which emphasizes the crucial role of youths in combating corruption
Speaking at the event, The Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe said that the commission is committed to end corruption in the petroleum upstream sector.
“As the commission’s Chief Executive, I am affirm our unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption within the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the principles of the Petroleum Industry Act, which emphasises good governance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of benefit from oil and gas operations”
The anti-corruption agencies, EFCC and the ICPC both welcomed the initiative of the NUPRC, emphasising the endemic nature of corruption in Nigeria and how insider dealing corrupt practices have turned Nigeria into a metaphor for corruption.
Also speaking at the event is the human right activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, Femi Falana. He said what Nigeria lacks is the political will to implement anti-corruption laws.
“We have enough laws to deal with corruption in our country but the political will to enforce those laws have been the problem. Corruption can only be fought in every government department, in every institution if there is commitment on the part of the leadership of the administration.”
Falana called on the country’s anti-corruption agencies to take the battle to the places where corruption truly resides.
According to Falana, “Nobody has the power to say that a criminal suspect cannot be arrested. Section 35 of the constitution guarantees right to liberty, but it is also there that, that right can be encroached upon if there is reasonable suspicion that you have commuted an offence.“.
The event came to a close with the presentation of awards by the Commission’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to three staff of NUPRC for their outstanding performance.
