Marine and Blue Economy Ministry Reaffirms Ethical Governance, Convenes ACTU Conference
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and operational efficiency as it convened the 6th Peer Review Conference of Chairpersons and Secretaries of Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) of agencies under the Ministry.
Declaring the conference open in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Fatima Sugra Mahmood, said the gathering serves as a strategic platform for institutional self-assessment, knowledge sharing and collaborative action in strengthening anti-corruption efforts across the marine and blue economy sector.
Mahmood, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director, Special Duties, Comfort Madichi, stated that the peer review conference underscores the Ministry’s resolve to entrench ethical standards and improve governance structures within its agencies.
In his welcome address, the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed the Agency’s delight at hosting the sixth edition of the ACTU Peer Review Conference.
Mobereola who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile, said the conference theme, “Advancing Ethical Reforms: Institutionalizing Integrity and Sustained Ethical Governance,” highlights the central role of ACTUs in driving reforms and preventive anti-corruption strategies.
He emphasized that ethical governance must be deliberate and embedded within institutional frameworks through stronger internal control systems, reinforced accountability mechanisms, and the effective use of technology to block leakages and enhance service delivery.
On his part, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, commended agencies under the Ministry for embracing the peer review mechanism.
Represented by the Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Lagos State, Alexander Chukwurah, Aliyu described the initiative as a proactive step toward deepening integrity and strengthening public trust in the sector.
The conference assembled ACTU leaders and stakeholders from agencies under the Ministry to review performance, share best practices and chart strategies for sustained ethical governance in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy space.