Enlightens Students, stakeholders on Dangers of Corruption

by Kelvin Kagbare

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, in commemoration of the 2024 African Union’s Anti-Corruption day, (which holds July 11 every year) has insisted on the need for transparency in all port operations in Nigeria.

Organized the Council’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) in collaboration with the 2024 serving Youth Corps members and the Industrial Trainees in at the NSC,  the event has as theme “Effective Whistleblowers Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the fight against Corruption”.

Executive Secretary, ES/CEO of the Council Barr. Pius Akutah, represented by Mr. Ada Okam, Director Human Resources, said the programme was put together to help participants reflect on the importance of whistleblowers and the need for their protection.

“It is an advocacy for effective coordination between investigative, prosecution and judicial processes to ensure the protection of the whistleblower for an effective Whistleblowing mechanism as a tool for combating corruption in our society” Akutah said.

The ES said the Council recognizes Whistleblowing as a critical element for combating corruption as there are institutions, laws and policies put in place at the national, regional and global levels to protect the whistleblower.

He disclosed that “In the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, there is the policy to protect the whistleblower as provided in the NSC Code of Conduct. The NSC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) is also responsible for the protection of a whistleblower in the Council”

“Corruption is a phenomenon that affects the generality of humanity, rich or poor, young or old. It has no gender and its effect is negatively and all encompassing, touching on every facet of human society, as it retards national advancement, stability and prosperity”

On the adverse effect of corruption, Akutah said “From research, it is on record that Africa loses more than US$50 Billion annually through illicit financial outflows which negatively impacts the quality of life in Africa as every effort at lifting Africans out of poverty, feeding, education and provision of basic services to Africans is retarded.

“This makes it difficult for Africa to grow as a continent and achieve the African Agenda and the global Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs”

“A day such as this is to help us share ideas on how to reduce corruption, assess gains so far made in the fight against corruption as well as examine areas to be strengthened”

Stressing the role and importance of the whistleblower, the Shippers’ Council chief executive said whistleblowers should be protected to encourage them to voluntarily report instances of violation of financial regulations, mismanagement of public funds and assets, financial malpractices, fraud and theft to facilitate the recovery of our economy, our humanity and build a very secure future for all, without fear of consequent reprisals.

“We are aware that through the efforts of whistleblowers in our country, there have been recoveries of billions of Naira, which have been put into the development of critical infrastructure for citizens” Akutah said.

Out of the scores of schools that entered for the debate, four secondary schools consisting of Randle Secondary School, Sacred Heart College, Cedec international School and Seagate Secondary Schools were shortlisted for the finals.

Speaking for and against, the students advanced reasons why whistle blowers should be rewarded, protected or unrewarded and unprotected for doing what they choose to do voluntarily.

Citing example of several high profile personalities riddled with corruption, the student were unanimous on the dangers and devastating effects of corruption on communities and countries of the world.

After very enlightening and engaging presentations by the participating schools, backed by their teachers and supported by guardians, friends and well-wishers, the panel of judges adjudged Randle Secondary School Apapa as the overall winner-carting away mouth-watering prizes donated by the Council to enhance their studies as the other schools received consolatory prizes as well.

Top management staff of the Council such as the Director Strategic Planning and Research, SPR. Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, representative from the Independent Corrupt Practice and Related Offence Commission, ICPC and the Lagos state Ministry of Education graced the event.

The African Union’s Anti-Corruption day is pursuant to the United Nations’ campaign at ensuring a reduction in corruption and the promotion of transparency in the world.