The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has sensitised 100 staff members of the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), Maiduguri, on ethical conduct, transparency and professional accountability in public service.
The one-day anti-corruption education workshop, held at the Institute’s Conference Hall under the theme, “Promoting Integrity, Accountability, and Transparency in Public Service: The Role of Staff in Combating Corruption,” was aimed at strengthening the capacity of staff to identify, prevent and report corrupt practices.
Welcoming the ICPC delegation led by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner (RACC), Mr. Linus Gubbi, the Executive Director of LCRI, Professor Babagana Kabir, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to transparency, professionalism and collaboration with anti-corruption agencies.
Kabir urged staff to embrace a culture of integrity, noting that corruption undermines institutional effectiveness, research development and public confidence in government institutions.
In his address, Gubbi highlighted the strategic importance of LCRI to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, particularly its contributions to agricultural research, crop improvement and land-use strategies that support food security across the Lake Chad Basin.
He, however, warned that the Institute’s critical research activities could be undermined by corrupt practices, stressing that irregularities involving public resources, research grants, procurement processes and administrative procedures ultimately affect citizens who depend on the Institute’s innovations and services.
The RACC emphasised that the fight against corruption was not the sole responsibility of anti-corruption agencies but a collective duty that begins with individual public officers.
A lead paper, titled “Anti-Corruption and Work Ethics in Organisations,” was presented by ACS Abba Dzikwi. The paper examined the legal framework for combating corruption, forms of corrupt practices in public institutions and the consequences of unethical conduct.
Dzikwi stressed that strong work ethics were essential to organisational efficiency, effective service delivery and national development.
The presentation was followed by an interactive session during which participants sought clarification on reporting mechanisms, whistleblowing procedures and the scope of the ICPC’s mandate.
The Commission’s team also reiterated the importance of confidentiality in handling reports of corruption.
Gubbi urged the management of LCRI to strengthen its internal controls and transparency mechanisms, assuring the Institute of the ICPC’s readiness to provide guidance and support for institutional integrity initiatives.
Concluding the programme, the RACC challenged participants to internalise the lessons from the sensitisation and actively promote ethical practices, accountability and a culture of service consistent with the highest standards of the Nigerian Public Service.
