Oyetola charges NIWA to Prioritize System Integrity for Sustainable Development
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has emphasized the importance of system integrity in public institutions, highlighting its role in driving good leadership, ethical conduct, and revenue generation.
The Minister stated this today at a retreat, themed: “The Art and Practice of System Integrity in Public Institutions” organized by National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC)
Delivering the Keynote address, Oyetola who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Fatima Tabi’a Mahmood,
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.
According to a statement by Anastasia Ogbonna, the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, he 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.
The Minister highlighted 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.
Earlier, the Acting Managing Director, NIWA, Umar Girei, said the retreat aims to strengthen the Authority’s systems and processes, promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and performance-driven leadership.
He emphasized NIWA’s commitment to institutional reforms, effective revenue generation, and zero tolerance for corrupt practices.
Also speaking, the Chairman, ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu reaffirmed the Orgaization’s readiness to support public institutions through preventive mechanisms, capacity building, and integrity-driven initiatives.
