InfoStride News Reports ICPC Concerns About Integrity Deficit in Procurement Contracts. On the 19th of November 2023, Shintema Binga, Head of Procurement at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), expressed concerns about the integrity deficit among contractors involved in procurement processes. The ICPC has initiated a collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to address these issues and enhance transparency in procurement.
Speaking at the inauguration of the ACCI-ICPC procurement integrity and transparency training partnership, Binga highlighted the importance of ensuring integrity in procurement processes. The partnership aims to bring contractors up to date with the required ethical standards, preventing lapses in the procurement process.
The collaboration, which involves the Chamber of Commerce and the Centre for International Private Enterprise, seeks to educate contractors and vendors on the significance of maintaining integrity in procurement. Binga emphasized that the ICPC, as an integrity institution and law enforcement agency, is committed to upholding business integrity not only within its own operations but also throughout the broader business community.

The focus on integrity in procurement processes extends beyond entities directly involved with the ICPC. Binga indicated that the commission, in collaboration with its partners, plans to engage with other agencies to address integrity issues in their procurement activities.
Victoria Akai, the Director-General of ACCI, outlined the objectives of the program, emphasizing the importance of ethical procurement and business practices. The initiative aims to promote open governance, standard procurement practices, and institutional strengthening. Akai stressed the need for compliance among both public and private institutions with established procurement standards and ethical principles.
Lola Adekanye, Country Director of the Centre for International Private Enterprise, highlighted the fundamental role of business integrity and ethics in competitive markets and democracy worldwide. She commended the collaboration between the ICPC and ACCI, noting that it signifies a shift in the perception that corruption reduction is solely the responsibility of the public sector.
Adekanye emphasized that private businesses play a crucial role in combating corruption and promoting values that make society resilient against corrupt practices. The collaborative effort between a public institution like the ICPC and a private sector organization like ACCI underscores the shared responsibility of both sectors in curbing corruption.
In conclusion, the ICPC’s partnership with ACCI and other stakeholders reflects a concerted effort to address the integrity deficit in procurement contracts. By promoting ethical standards and transparency, the initiative aims to create a business environment that upholds integrity and accountability in both public and private sectors.
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