The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, said System integrity is key to NIWA’s success in its role in driving good leadership, ethical conduct, and revenue generation.
The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, made this known at a 2- day executive anti- corruption training themed: “The Art and Practice of System Integrity in Public Institutions” organized by National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) at Frazer Suites, Abuja.
In his keynote address, Oyetola stressed that system integrity is crucial for NIWA’s success, enabling the Authority to fulfill its mandate and contribute to Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda.
The Minister further outlined key areas for improvement, including: revenue generation, transparency, and accountability, urging NIWA to leverage technology and public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and financial sustainability.
“System integrity is not a moral luxury; it is an economic necessity,” Oyetola stated, calling on NIWA’s Board and Management to prioritize financial sustainability and drive innovation in revenue generation.
Furthermore, the Minister observed that the partnership with ICPC aligns with the Federal Government’s preventive approach to combating corruption, adding that ethical leadership and transparent revenue systems are critical to harnessing the full economic potential of Nigeria’s Inland Waterways.
In his remarks, Barr. Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, CFR chairman Governing Board of NIWA Said the nation is on a journey of renewal and promise under a renewed hope agenda of Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR that calls on all in public service to deliver better lives for the citizens through Job creation, improved infrastructure, effective public service and prudent management of public resources. He said integrity is indispensable to leadership.
Earlier, the Acting Managing Director, NIWA, Umar Yusuf Girei, said the retreat aims to strengthen NIWA’s systems and processes, promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and performance-driven leadership.
The Acting Managing Director, emphasized the Authority’s commitment to institutional reforms, effective revenue generation, and zero tolerance for corrupt practices.
Also speaking, the Chairman, ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN) reaffirmed its orgaization’s readiness to support public institutions through preventive mechanisms, capacity building, and integrity-driven initiatives.
The 2- day executive anti-corruption training has all Board members, Management and Area Managers in attendance.
