‎ICPC, Nigeria Immigration Service Pledge Joint Action Against Corruption in Katsina

In a renewed drive to strengthen integrity and accountability in public service, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have pledged to work together to combat corruption in Katsina State.
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‎The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC) for Katsina and Zamfara States, Mr. Lodam Samuel, to the Comptroller of Immigration, Katsina State Command, Mr. Muhammad Adamu Mahmoud.
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‎Speaking during the visit, Mr. Lodam emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in the fight against corruption and highlighted opportunities for joint initiatives, especially in the areas of public education and ethics training, where the ICPC’s mandate can be effectively deployed in partnership with the NIS.
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‎Mr. Lodam also briefed the Comptroller on the activities of the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), located in Keffi, Nasarawa State, noting that the Academy serves as ICPC’s training arm, offering both physical and online programmes, including Master’s degrees and specialized courses targeted at Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and other public institutions.
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‎The RACC further outlined the Commission’s System Study and Review approach, which is used to identify institutional gaps that may enable corruption in public offices.
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‎According to him, “Once a systemic weakness prone to corruption is identified, the Commission makes recommendations for immediate corrective action,” he said. “The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) is expected to function as a mini-ICPC within the agency, providing internal oversight, though without prosecutorial powers.”
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‎In his remarks, the Comptroller of Immigration, Mr. Muhammad Adamu Mahmoud, welcomed the collaboration and commended ICPC for its proactive engagement and described the anti-corruption campaign as a “collective responsibility,” affirming the Command’s commitment to institutional integrity.
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‎Mr. Mahmoud added that the Nigerian Immigration Service is open to partnerships that promote transparency and due diligence. He noted that while the Service is tasked with securing the nation’s borders, its daily interface with the public, especially through passport and migration services, makes the ICPC’s engagement both timely and necessary.
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‎The meeting concluded with both agencies agreeing to explore specific areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening ethical practices and curbing corruption within their operations.
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