The Namibian government has reached out to Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in a bid to enhance its anti-corruption efforts.

Namibia is seeking training opportunities and collaboration with Nigerian authorities to bolster the capabilities of its Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by Namibia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Humphrey Geiseb, to the ICPC headquarters.

Ambassador Geiseb highlighted the critical role Nigeria plays in Africa’s fight against corruption, emphasizing the need for other African nations, including Namibia, to learn from Nigeria’s extensive experience in combating the scourge.

According to Geiseb, Nigeria has developed a reputation as a leader in anti-corruption efforts on the continent, particularly through the successes of the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in recovering stolen assets and prosecuting corrupt officials.

“We see Nigeria as occupying an exalted position in the fight against corruption in Africa.

The expertise Nigeria has developed over the years needs to be shared with other nations on the continent.

Namibia, too, has an anti-corruption body, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), and we are eager to learn from Nigeria’s achievements, especially in asset recovery and prosecution,” Geiseb stated.

He went on to propose closer ties between the two nations’ anti-corruption bodies, noting that such collaboration would strengthen the capacity of Namibia’s ACC.

Geiseb further stressed the importance of keeping anti-corruption efforts within the continent, saying, “The fight against corruption in Africa is taking a new direction, and it is vital that Nigeria continues to share its knowledge and strategies with countries like Namibia.

There is no need for us to seek anti-corruption training outside Africa when we have a leading example right here.”

In response, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, expressed his appreciation for the Namibian Ambassador’s visit, which coincided with the launch of the ICPC’s Strategic Action Plan 2024-2028.

He agreed that the fight against corruption in Africa cannot be waged in isolation, stressing the importance of collaboration among nations.

Dr. Aliyu emphasized the ICPC’s commitment to working closely with other African countries in combating corruption.

He mentioned that the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the ICPC’s training arm, could serve as a valuable resource in addressing the Namibian government’s request for training opportunities for its ACC personnel.

The academy, he noted, has been instrumental in equipping Nigerian officials with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle corruption.

“Corruption networks span across borders, so it is essential that we, as nations on this continent, come together to disrupt those illegal systems,” Dr. Aliyu said.

“By sharing our expertise and resources, we can promote good governance and create an environment conducive to foreign direct investment across Africa.”

The ICPC Chairman also recalled a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by his predecessor, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, which established a framework for collaboration between Nigeria and Namibia in anti-corruption efforts.

Dr. Aliyu reaffirmed the ICPC’s willingness to honor that agreement and provide any assistance needed by the Namibian Anti-Corruption Commission.

He also expressed optimism about mutual learning opportunities between the two nations, noting that Namibia’s experiences could offer valuable insights for Nigeria as well.

“At our Anti-Corruption Academy, we are always ready to train and share knowledge, but we also look forward to learning from our partners,” Dr. Aliyu added.

“Together, we can create a stronger, more united front in the fight against corruption, ensuring better governance and brighter prospects for all Africans.”

This visit marks a significant step toward strengthening the anti-corruption collaboration between Namibia and Nigeria, two countries committed to stamping out corruption and fostering transparency in governance.

Both nations recognize that addressing corruption is essential not only for the prosperity of their citizens but also for the overall development of the African continent.